With Tilak Varma unavailable, Team India faces an important selection call in the middle order. The two most discussed contenders to fill the void are Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Both are talented, experienced at the international level, and offer different skill sets. The question is: who fits better into the team balance right now?
Sanju Samson: The Middle-Order Stabilizer
Sanju Samson has increasingly shown maturity in his batting approach, especially in white-ball cricket.
Strengths:
Comfortable batting in the middle order, similar to Tilak Varma’s role
Plays spin well, crucial in T20s and subcontinent conditions
Can anchor the innings and accelerate when needed
Offers the additional option of wicketkeeping, adding flexibility to the XI
Concerns:
Inconsistency at the international level
Needs to convert starts into big scores more regularly
Why Samson Fits Tilak’s Role:
Tilak Varma’s value lies in his calm presence at No. 3 or No. 4. Samson’s game is more adaptable to this position, making him a like-for-like replacement in terms of batting role.
Ishan Kishan: The Explosive Left-Hand Option
Ishan Kishan is known for his aggressive intent and fearless stroke play.
Strengths:
Left-handed batter, which helps maintain right-left combinations
Naturally aggressive, ideal for powerplay acceleration
Proven match-winner on his day
Also a wicketkeeping option
Concerns:
Primarily an opener, less effective in the middle order
High-risk style can lead to early dismissals
Struggles at times against quality spin in the middle overs
Why Kishan May Not Be the Ideal Replacement:
Tilak Varma’s role demands stability and composure in the middle overs, whereas Kishan is most effective when attacking early. Using him in Tilak’s slot may disturb his natural game.
Final Verdict: Who Is the Stronger Contender?
👉 Sanju Samson appears to be the stronger and more suitable contender in the absence of Tilak Varma.
Better suited for the middle-order role
Offers tactical flexibility
Matches the team’s need for balance rather than sheer aggression
However, if the team management is looking for a more attacking approach or a reshuffled top order, Ishan Kishan could still be considered.
Conclusion
While both players bring quality and experience, Sanju Samson’s adaptability and middle-order temperament give him an edge as Tilak Varma’s replacement. Ultimately, the decision will depend on pitch conditions, opposition, and the team’s overall strategy.