Samson Deserves No. 3 Spot More Than Varma, Says Mohammed Kaif In Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup 2025 is near the discussion on India batting order is the top agenda. The batting slots have raised new questions with the re-entry of Shubman Gill and him taking the role of the vice captain of the team under Suryakumar Yadav.
Gill will definitely lead the innings and will probably be accompanied by his close friend Abhishek Sharma. This will mean Sanju Samson who opened in the recent T20I series will need to relinquish his position at the top.
A very good opinion on this issue has been proposed by former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif. He said that India must put Samson at number three in the Asian cup.
According to him, Samson is the most appropriate person to deal with the Afghanistan attack that will be spearheaded by star leg spinner Rashid Khan.
Kaif described his opinion on his YouTube channel and complimented Samson on his spin and pace batting.
Kaif Backs Samson Against Rashid Khan In Asia Cup 2025
Kaif said that Afghanistan’s strength is their spin department. Rashid Khan is one of the most successful bowlers in T20 cricket. He has the ability to control the game in the middle overs.
Kaif feels that Samson has the right game to take on Rashid. He reminded fans that Samson is among the top ten six hitters in the Indian Premier League. He pointed out that Samson can clear the boundary straight down the ground which makes him dangerous against Rashid.
Kaif also spoke about Samson form in different conditions. He praised him for scoring centuries in South Africa as an opener. Batting in South Africa is never easy but Samson showed that he can handle fast bowling as well as spin.
According to Kaif this ability makes Samson the perfect fit for the number three role in the Asia Cup.
Samson Consistency In The Ipl
Kaif highlighted the importance of consistency in T20 cricket. He noted that Samson has delivered runs season after season in the IPL. He usually scores between 400 and 500 runs each year.
This shows that he has built the habit of contributing regularly. Kaif added that Samson has matured as a player and has become more responsible. This maturity can help India in pressure matches.
The middle overs often decide the outcome of T20 matches. Rashid Khan and other Afghan spinners like Mujeeb ur Rahman will try to choke India’s scoring rate. Kaif feels Samson is best suited to break those plans.
His ability to rotate strike and at the same time hit big shots gives him an edge.
What About Tilak Varma?
The inclusion of Tilak Varma has given India more options in the batting order. Varma is young and talented. He has shown promise in his early international games.
Kaif feels that the Asia Cup 2025 may not be the right time to put him at number three. He said that Tilak can wait for his chances. According to him, experience is important in a big tournament.
Samson with his IPL record and international exposure is a safer choice This does not mean that Varma does not have a role. He can be used in the lower middle order where his aggressive batting can be useful.
He will also gain experience by being around senior players and waiting for the right opportunity.
Gill To Open With Abhishek Sharma
The Return of Shubman Gill means India’s top order will see changes. Gill will open with Abhishek Sharma. The two have a strong understanding as they grew up playing cricket together in Punjab.
Sanju Samson had opened with Abhishek in the last series but now he will need to adjust. Moving Samson to number three gives India a strong top three with Gill, Abhishek and Samson.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav and the coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir will have to finalise the playing eleven. They will weigh the conditions and the opponents before taking a call. Afghanistan will rely heavily on Rashid Khan. India will look to build a line up that can handle his threat.
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