Who Should Bat at No. 3 for India in Asia Cup 2025? Samson vs Tilak Debate

As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, there is one selection issue that stands out above all others, and that is the No. 3 batter in T20I cricket. Since we can expect Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma to open the batting in the event, that leaves the middle-order anchor to either seasoned sanju Samson, or up-and-comer Tilak Varma. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stated this month that he feels strongly about the selection of sanju Samson, because he knows tournament cricket is about experience. Kaif feels Samson should be prepped in the No. 3 position, with the T20 World Cup coming up in six months.

Kaif notes that Samson can take on all world-class spinners, such as Rashid Khan of Afghanistan, in the middle overs of matches where outcomes are often decided. He is the combination of a good stroke-maker, and someone who builds innings well, and his fearless attacking style amplifies this quality. History in the IPL will also make a good case for Samson. He has almost always been in the best six-hitters in the IPL, and routinely takes the batting in an innings to a different level while making bowlers ineffective when he is accelerating. he can slow things down if needed to consolidate for the rest of the innings when you have lost early wickets, or he often can make benefit of good work done by the openers.

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In making a strong case for Samson as a fixed role at No. 3, Kaif believes that role could bring vital stability and rhythm to India's batting order ahead of the World Cup. Tilak Varma adds youthful exuberance and fearless intent to the conversation. The 22-year-old left-hand batter has entered into international cricket with an incredible impact, scoring 400-plus runs in T20Is with an average of over 80 and with multiple match-winning deliveries in his performances. Tilak has already demonstrated that he can withstand pressure and assume responsibility, going in and producing calm knocks, even in the most difficult overseas conditions. He ticks all the boxes for a modern-day T20 batter with his power hitting and ability to rotate the strike. But Kaif could argue that Tilak has plenty of time and will bide his time while Samson leads that role in the immediate.

Stability or Flash? What India Needs at No. 3

The discussion really centers around whether India should choose stability at No. 3 or style. If India opts for Samson in the No. 3 position, he would be a reliable campaigner with experience who would be capable of soaking up pressure and navigating tricky parts of the innings. The ability to maintain temperament and experience in tight moments is something that could be of massive value for high stakes games. This would be especially true for tough opponents in Asia Cup and beyond. And then there is versatility: he could hold down an innings if wickets fell early on or show his attacking range if a platform had already been laid. 

Conversely, the other option at No. 3, Tilak Varma, represents the future of Indian T20 cricket. He has been incredible with the bat in recent weeks and his confidence at that age is reminiscent of some past greats who established themselves early in their careers. If you add him at No. 3 position you bring a freshness and fearlessness to India's middle order, and he is equally good against pace and spin. However, putting an inexperienced player at this important position for such a big tournament certainly poses large risks.

The management of India has a textbook conundrum: stick with the dependable experience of Samson or embrace boldness of youth and current form with Tilak. With the T20 World Cup on the agenda, whichever option they choose could determine India’s batting identity for the near future. Conversely, Samson provides certainty and proven leadership in the middle order, while Tilak epitomizes future promise and vitality. Regardless of the options the selectors go with, the ramifications of this decision will be instrumental in India’s success at Asia Cup in 2025.