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The primary focus of the Indian selectors announcement of the Asia Cup 2025 squad is the wicketkeepers. Jitesh Sharma has been added as the backup goalie, and Sanju Samson has been selected as the starting keeper. Both performed well in IPL 2025, but in very different ways. Let us compare their performances and see who is better for Team India.
Batting Performances in IPL 2025
Sanju Samson – Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson’s season was affected by injury, so he could not play all the matches. Even then, he scored 285 runs in 9 games at a strike rate of 140.69. Batting at the top order, he played some important knocks, including 66 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Samson has more than 4,700 career runs in 177 games, making him one of the most dependable performers in the IPL. He is a reliable choice in the batting lineup because of his expertise.
Jitesh Sharma – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
For the RCB, Jitesh Sharma was a finisher. His best innings came against Lucknow Super Giants, where he scored an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls in a record run chase.
He scored 261 runs overall with a very high strike rate of 176.35 in 15 games. He may not have scored as many runs as Samson, but his quick hitting in the lower order was very important for his team.
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Wicketkeeping Record
In the IPL 2025, Jitesh Sharma had the top wicketkeeping stats. In 15 games, he was dismissed 20 times (19 catches and 1 stumping).
- Sanju Samson managed five dismissals despite only taking wickets in six games.
- Jitesh was unquestionably superior in the 2025 season in terms of wicketkeeping performance.
Playing Style and Role
- Sanju Samson plays in the top order and provides stability and consistency. He can build long innings and guide the batting lineup. His experience and calmness make him India’s first-choice wicketkeeper.
- Jitesh Sharma is known for his power-hitting at the end overs. His aggressive batting style makes him perfect for the role of a finisher.
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IPL 2025 Stats: Samson vs Jitesh
| Category | Sanju Samson (RR) | Jitesh Sharma (RCB) |
|---|---|---|
| Runs (2025) | 285 (9 matches) | 261 (15 matches) |
| Strike Rate | 140.69 | 176.35 |
| Best Score | 66 vs SRH | 85* vs LSG |
| Wicketkeeping Dismissals | 5 (6 matches) | 20 (15 matches) |
| Asia Cup 2025 Role | First-choice keeper | Backup keeper-finisher |
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Overall IPL Record
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 172 | 4,704 | 30.94 | 139.04 |
| Jitesh Sharma | 47 | 991 | 25.41 | 157.05 |
These numbers show that Samson has more experience and consistency, while Jitesh has the ability to score very quickly in fewer balls.
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Who is Better for Asia Cup 2025?
Both players have different strengths:
- Sanju Samson is better for the top order, giving the team a reliable and experienced batter who can handle pressure.
- Jitesh Sharma is better as a finisher, providing quick runs in the last overs and also strong wicketkeeping skills.
By keeping Samson as the starting goalie and Jitesh as a backup, the selectors made the right decision. This gives India balance — Samson brings stability, while Jitesh can provide firepower whenever needed.
Conclusion
The comparison between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma shows that both have important roles for India in the Asia Cup 2025. Samson’s experience and consistency make him the safe option, while Jitesh’s explosive batting and sharp wicketkeeping make him a valuable backup. Together, they give India the perfect mix of reliability and impact in the wicketkeeping department.
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