India, Sept. 13 -- Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE, most believed that the Indian management would choose Jitesh Sharma over Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper in the playing XI. The notion gained more prominence, looking at the practice sessions and the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the squad as the vice-captain. As soon as Gill made his return, it was a given that he would open alongside Abhishek Sharma, leaving Samson's place in jeopardy.

Jitesh showed remarkable form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), hence it was expected that he would be picked ahead of Samson in the middle-order. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to stick with continuity a...