The Asia Cup 2025 is set to feature eight teams in an electrifying T20I format, running from September 9 to 28 across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. India, the reigning No. 1 T20I side in the ICC rankings, will enter the competition as tournament favourites under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, who will look to guide the Men in Blue to their ninth Asia Cup title.
Placed in Group A, India will begin their campaign on September 10 against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai, followed by India’s final group-stage encounter against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
However, uncertainty looms over India’s playing XI, especially the opening combination and middle-order choices, given the wealth of talent in the 15-member squad. Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has now sparked a selection debate, urging head coach Gautam Gambhir to promote Sanju Samson to the No. 3 position and bench the young Tilak Varma, despite his stellar form.
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Varma, the world’s No. 2 T20I batter, has amassed 749 runs in 25 matches and has made a name for himself with back-to-back centuries against South Africa in 2024. Yet, Kaif believes Samson’s experience and versatility make him a better fit at No. 3, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 just six months away.
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“Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill will open. Tilak is talented but can wait for his turn. Sanju has the experience and deserves a consistent run at No. 3. He’s one of the top six-hitters in the IPL, and against bowlers like Rashid Khan, he’s the perfect batter to counterattack,” Mohammad Kaif said in a video on Instagram.
Kaif highlighted Samson’s adaptability, pointing out his two centuries in South Africa and consistent IPL performances, where he scores 400–500 runs annually. He also noted Samson’s strong domestic form in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) as proof of his readiness.
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“Sanju is the most senior player in this Asia Cup squad, debuting in 2015 and later contributing to India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados. Whenever given opportunities, he has performed with a strike rate of 180. He’s in form, and this is the right time to give him responsibility,” Kaif added.
As India aims to reclaim continental supremacy, Kaif’s comments reflect the ongoing challenge of balancing youth and experience. With Samson pushing hard for a starting spot, all eyes will be on Gambhir’s team selections when the tournament kicks off in Dubai.
