The former Indian cricketer expressed his support for Samson’s inclusion in the playing XI, recalling how the wicketkeeper-batter opened alongside Abhishek Sharma in the T20I series against England earlier this year.
However, with Shubman Gill making his comeback to the T20I setup for the Asia Cup and being named vice-captain, he is expected to reclaim the opening role with Abhishek. This development has put Samson’s spot in the starting lineup under question.
Team India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, as the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off on September 9 in the UAE with eight teams vying for the coveted title.
Mohammad Kaif Backs Sanju Samson’s Inclusion in India’s Asia Cup 2025 XI
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced his support for Sanju Samson’s place in India’s playing XI for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. In an Instagram video, Kaif stressed that Samson deserves consistent opportunities and should be considered for the crucial No. 3 batting position.
“Did you know Sanju is the most senior player in India’s Asia Cup squad? He was part of the T20 World Cup-winning team in 2024. Although he didn’t get a game there, when given opportunities last year, he finished as India’s highest run-scorer in T20Is with nearly 450 runs at a strike rate of 180,” Mohammad Kaif said.
Highlighting Samson’s ability to tackle spin, Mohammad Kaif added that the wicketkeeper-batter would be India’s best bet against Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.
“When it comes to hitting sixes, Sanju ranks among the top 10 in the IPL. He also scored two centuries in South Africa. In the middle overs, when Rashid Khan comes on to bowl, there’s no better batter to take him on than Sanju. With a World Cup just six months away, he definitely deserves this chance,” Mohammad Kaif explained.
Samson was part of India’s T20 World Cup squad last year but didn’t feature in any matches. However, he impressed in 2024, smashing three centuries and a half-century at a blistering strike rate of 180.16.
Meanwhile, India, the defending champions, are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and UAE. They will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai.