Former India Star Advocates for Sanju Samson at No. 3 Spot Over Tilak Varma in Asia Cup 2025

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced his support for Sanju Samson to take the No. 3 batting position in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, ahead of Tilak Varma. As India gears up to kick off their campaign against the United Arab Emirates on September 10, the team faces crucial decisions regarding its batting lineup. With Shubman Gill set to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, the placement of Samson remains uncertain. The seasoned batter has shown impressive form, including three T20I centuries last year, while Varma has also been in excellent touch, making the selection process particularly challenging for the management.

Sanju Samson’s Experience and Form

Sanju Samson’s experience and recent performances make him a strong candidate for the No. 3 spot. Over the past year, he has frequently opened the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma, showcasing his ability to score runs consistently. Last year, he achieved three T20I centuries, including one against Bangladesh and two against South Africa. His recent performances in the Kerala Cricket League further highlight his form; after a slow start, he returned to the opening position and quickly regained his rhythm. Kaif emphasized that Samson’s experience could be invaluable, especially with the World Cup approaching in six months.

Tilak Varma’s Rising Star

While Sanju Samson has the backing of Kaif, Tilak Varma’s impressive track record cannot be overlooked. The young left-hander has made a significant impact at No. 3, scoring back-to-back centuries against South Africa last year. His ability to perform under pressure adds to the complexity of the selection process for the Asia Cup. Kaif acknowledged Varma’s talent but suggested that he could afford to wait for his opportunity, given Samson’s experience and the importance of grooming seasoned players for future tournaments.

Strategic Considerations Against Afghanistan

Kaif pointed out that Samson’s skills would be particularly beneficial against teams like Afghanistan, especially when facing a bowler of Rashid Khan’s caliber. He noted that Samson ranks among the top ten six-hitters in the IPL, making him an ideal choice to tackle Khan during the middle overs. Kaif’s analysis underscores the strategic importance of selecting players who can handle high-pressure situations and exploit the weaknesses of opposing bowlers.

Samson’s Role in the Asia Cup Squad

As the most senior member of the Asia Cup squad, Sanju Samson brings a wealth of experience to the team. He made his debut in 2015 and was part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2024. Although he did not play every match, his contributions were significant, with a strike rate of 180 when he did take the field. Kaif highlighted Samson’s consistent performance in various conditions, noting his ability to score runs against both pace and spin. With the Asia Cup set to begin on September 9, the management faces a critical decision in determining the batting order that will best serve the team’s objectives.

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