As the Asia Cup 2025 draws closer, India’s top-order jigsaw looks nearly complete. Vice-captain Shubman Gill and left-hander Abhishek Sharma are almost locked in as the opening pair, which naturally shifts the spotlight onto the next crucial slot India’s No. 3 batsman.
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Who Will Be No.3 for the Asia Cup 2025?
And in the middle of this debate stand two standout contenders, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, both of whom bring contrasting skills, records, and appeal to the table. The battle of Sanju Samson vs Tilak Varma is no longer just a selection headache; it has become the defining subplot of India’s campaign build-up.
Preps in full swing 💪
The countdown to 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝘿𝙖𝙮 begins ⏳#TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/3SC57XILxD
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 7, 2025
India’s Balanced Squad for Asia Cup 2025
India’s 15-man squad for the Asia Cup 2025 promises a strong blend of youth and experience. The batting line-up features vice-captain Shubman Gill, skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma also finds a place, adding depth and flexibility to the top and middle order.
From teenage days with Punjab to likely opening together for Team India in Asia Cup 2025 — Abhishek Sharma & Shubman Gill have come a long way with their performances! 🇮🇳❤️🏏#AbhishekSharma #ShubmanGill #T20Is #AsiaCup #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/9KFIf4l324
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 20, 2025
On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah leads the charge with support from Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. The reserves list also packs quality, with Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings to step up if required. This balance makes India one of the strongest contenders heading into the tournament.
Related Article：Unspoken Message — Analysing the India Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Samson vs Tilak：The Numbers Game
When the topic of Sanju Samson vs Tilak Varma comes up, it is impossible to separate the discussion from raw data. While Samson thrives on reputation, IPL pedigree, and experience, Tilak’s story is one of youthful momentum and international efficiency. A closer look at their numbers at No. 3 across formats paints a clear picture of how differently these two have built their case for India’s No. 3 batsman role. Here’s a snapshot comparison:
T20Is as No.3
| Player | Matches/Inns | Runs | Avg | SR |
| Tilak Verma | 13 | 443 | 55.37 | 169.73 |
| Sanju Samson | 3 | 33 | 11 | 126.92 |
IPL Matches as No.3
| Player | Matches/Inns | Runs | Avg | SR |
| Tilak Verma | 4 | 130 | 32.5 | 131.31 |
| Sanju Samson | 94 | 3096 | 38.22 | 143.33 |
What the table suggests is quite straightforward: at the international level, Tilak Varma has been outstanding. His strike rate of 169.73 coupled with an average over 55 in T20Is shows both efficiency and consistency, something that selectors value in tournaments like the Asia Cup.
Sanju Samson, meanwhile, offers a wealth of experience and an enviable IPL record at No. 3, with over 3000 runs in 94 innings at a healthy strike rate. However, the contrast between his international and franchise numbers raises questions about which Samson India will get in a pressure tournament.
Beyond statistics, there’s also the intangible factor. Tilak Varma, just 22, has shown composure beyond his age, able to build an innings and explode when needed. Samson, at 30, brings calmness and leadership, along with the knowledge of having faced diverse situations across a decade of IPL cricket. This clash of profiles makes the Sanju Samson vs Tilak Varma debate even more compelling.
Who Should Be India’s No.3 Batsman?
When selecting India’s No. 3 batsman for a high-pressure event like the Asia Cup, both form and flexibility come into play. Tilak Varma, by sheer numbers, looks like the frontrunner. His international returns are impossible to ignore, and he seems perfectly suited for the role of anchoring the innings if an early wicket falls, while also possessing the firepower to counterattack. With India seeking a reliable option after the T20 retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Tilak appears tailor-made for the role.
Yet, dismissing Sanju Samson would be unfair. His IPL record is testimony to his ability to win matches single-handedly. He has three centuries at No. 3 in the IPL, a rare feat, and has been in consistent touch. Samson also brings versatility he can open if needed, slide down the order, or step into the role of a finisher. For India’s think tank, such a multi-role cricketer could prove invaluable during a long tournament.
That said, given the immediate requirements of the Asia Cup and the momentum Tilak Varma carries, the balance tips slightly in his favour. In a young team trying to shape its future identity, banking on form rather than reputation makes more sense. The selectors may still view Samson as a backup who can step in as per the situation, but right now, the stronger claim belongs to Tilak.
Final Words
The larger picture, however, is that Sanju Samson vs Tilak Varma may not be a one-tournament debate. This could well be the beginning of a longer rivalry for India’s middle order, one that stretches across bilateral series and major ICC events. Both players are integral to India’s vision of a flexible, dynamic batting order, and whichever way the selectors lean for the Asia Cup, the other is unlikely to be far from the conversation.
In the end, if India wants to reward consistency at the international level, Tilak Varma should walk out at No. 3 alongside Gill and Abhishek. If they lean towards experience and proven match-winning pedigree, Sanju Samson deserves the nod. The truth, as always in Indian cricket, lies somewhere in the middle but for now, Tilak seems the stronger contender for India’s No. 3 batsman role.
