“Tilak Varma can wait for his turn”- Mohammad Kaif wants Sanju Samson in India XI for Asia Cup 2025

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stated that Kerala batter Sanju Samson should be in India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 in place of Tilak Varma. The Asia Cup will begin on September 9, with India starting their campaign on September 10 against UAE.

India will next play Pakistan on September 14 and then Oman on September 19 in the Group A stage.

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill are primed to open the innings, despite Samson hammering three centuries in T20Is last year at the top position. This means Sanju Samson will clash with Tilak Varma for the no. 3 spot or with Jitesh Sharma for the no. 5 spot as the wicketkeeper.

Sanju Samson is ideal against a team like Afghanistan, who have the deadly Rashid Khan in the middle overs, because of his experience, form, and six-hitting ability, according to Mohammad Kaif.

“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. 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.

However, Tilak Varma has shown promise at number three with consecutive hundreds against South Africa last year, but Kaif believes the young player'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," Kaif concluded.

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