Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has backed Sanju Samson to deliver the goods against Afghanistan’s talisman spinner Rashid Khan in the Asia Cup 2025. Kaif noted that Samson has scored runs consistently in the IPL over the years.
Furthermore, the former Uttar Pradesh batter highlighted that Samson scored two centuries while batting in tough South African conditions. The Kerala batter has scored three T20I centuries in the last 12 matches but he could only manage 51 runs in five games against England in 2025 as he was troubled by short-pitched deliveries.
Samson has been in fine form in the ongoing Kerala Cricket League as he has scored 368 runs in five innings at an average of 73.60 and a strike rate of 186.80 while leading Kochi Blue Tigers.
Meanwhile, in T20 encounters, Sanju Samson has scored 121 runs off 108 balls against Rashid Khan, with a strike rate of 112.03 and an average of 121.00. Rashid Khan has dismissed Samson once.
Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “He is among 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. 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.”
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s vice-captain in T20Is, which has raised doubts about Samson’s selection in the playing XI. However, Kaif reckons Gill and Abhishek Sharma should open the innings and backs Samson to bat at one drop ahead of Tilak Varma.
Kaif said, “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.”
India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai.
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