Follow UsSanju Samson’s four consecutive 50-plus scores, which included a brilliant century in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025, seem to have done the trick in his favour. Those crucial knocks just ahead of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 mean that people are speaking in favour of him not being ousted from India’s playing 11 to give the newly named India’s T20 vice-captain, Shubman Gill, a chance.
One such favourable person for Samson is former India batter and a World Cup finalist himself, Mohammad Kaif. The ace-fielder of his time, Kaif, argued that Samson, if it is not possible to play him as an opener, should at least be played at number three.
“He is amongst the top 10 six-hitters in the IPL. That’s why I believe when Rashid Khan comes to bowl in the middle overs, there cannot be a better player against him than Sanju, as he can hit sixes down the ground,” the Indian Express quoted Kaif as saying on his YouTube channel.
The wicketkeeper-batter has an outstanding record against left-arm spinners, leg and off-spinners, averaging in excess of 33 and striking at more than 130 in his entire career.
Praising Samson for his centuries in South Africa, Kaif added, “South Africa has one of the toughest conditions for batting, and he has hit two centuries as an opener there. He plays both pace and spin well, and in the IPL, he scores 400–500 runs every year.”
Naming his top three for India, the Uttar Pradesh legend said that Tilak Varma, who bats at number three for India, could be rested to give Samson a chance to bat in the top three.
“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,” said Kaif.
It is interesting to note that Samson, in his 94 matches batting at number three for Rajasthan Royals (RR), strikes at 143 with two centuries and 22 fifties to his name.