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"Tilak Varma Can Wait": Kaif Wants Sanju Samson To Own India's No. 3 Spot In Asia Cup

Akshita Patel

Mohammad Kaif takes his pick on India's No.3 in T20Is [Source: @BCCI/X.com]Mohammad Kaif takes his pick on India's No.3 in T20Is [Source: @BCCI/X.com]

The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and already, the debate over India’s batting order has heated up. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has thrown his weight behind Sanju Samson, saying the Kerala star deserves the crucial No.3 spot ahead of youngster Tilak Varma.

India will begin their campaign on September 10 against the UAE, with Shubman Gill (vice-captain) and Abhishek Sharma almost certain to open the innings. 

That leaves the No.3 position wide open, and Kaif believes this is where Samson must step in.

Mohammad Kaif Bats For Sanju Samson’s Inclusion In Top Order

In a recent Instagram video, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif explained that Sanju Samson’s experience, form, and six-hitting ability make him the perfect fit, especially against a team like Afghanistan, who boast the dangerous Rashid Khan in the middle overs. 

 “He is among the top 10 six-hitters in the IPL. That is why I believe when Rashid Khan comes to bowl in the middle overs, there cannot be a better player than Sanju, as he can hit sixes down the ground,” Kaif said.

Samson, 30, has been in terrific touch over the past year. He smashed three T20I centuries in 2024, one against Bangladesh and two against South Africa. In the IPL, he consistently scores 400–500 runs every season, proving his ability to deliver in pressure situations.

“South Africa has one of the toughest batting conditions, and he scored two centuries as an opener there. He plays both pace and spin well, and in the IPL, he scores 400-500 runs every year. Sanju Samson is the most senior member of this Asia Cup squad. He made his debut in 2015 and was part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2024 in Barbados. He didn’t play every game, but when he did, he scored runs at a 180 strike rate. He has scored a truckload of runs and has been in excellent form in the Kerala Cricket League," he added.

On the other hand, Tilak Varma has impressed at No.3 with back-to-back centuries against South Africa last year, but Kaif feels the youngster’s time will come later. 

“Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill will open in the Asia Cup. For the No.3 spot, I feel Tilak Varma is a youngster and can wait for his turn. Sanju is an experienced batter, and he could be groomed by giving him consistent opportunities at No.3. There is a World Cup after six months, and he deserves a chance."

Needless to say, too many quality options have put head coach Gautam Gambhir in a deep conundrum, and as the tournament inches closer, the pressure to do justice to each player will increase, too.