Former international Mohammad Kaif wants India to play Sanju Samson at No 3 in place of Tilak Varma in the upcoming Asia Cup.

In an Instagram video, Kaif explained his reasons for preferring Sanju. "Did you know Sanju is the most senior player in India's Asia Cup squad?" Kaif said.

Sanju made his T20I debut in 2015 and recently completed 10 years of international cricket. "He was part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2024. He didn't get a chance to play there, but when he got the opportunity, Sanju was the highest run-getter in 2024, scoring close to 450 runs at a strike rate of 180," Kaif said.

The former middle-order batter also acknowledged Sanju's impressive batting in the Kerala Cricket League, where he scored a century and three fifties from six innings.

ADVERTISEMENT

"When it comes to hitting sixes, he is in the top 10 in IPL. He also scored two centuries in South Africa. He can bat against pace and spin."

Kaif thinks Sanju will be the perfect player to handle the tricky middle overs because of his experience. "When Rashid Khan will bowl in the middle overs, there is no better player to counter him than Sanju.. There is a World Cup in six months, and Sanju deserves the chance," Kaif said.

The inclusion of Shubman Gill in India's 15-member squad and his elevation to the role of vice-captain meant Sanju is unlikely to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.

The Asia Cup will be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28. India are in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Oman and the UAE. India's event opener is against the hosts on September 10.

TAGS

Google News Add as a preferred source on Google
The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.