The pressure is mounting on Sanju Samson. Despite being on his home turf and with a crucial T20 World Cup just around the corner, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter finds his Sanju Samson T20I spot hanging by a thread. The catalyst for this growing concern? A blistering innings from his rival, Ishan Kishan, that has not only won a match but also reignited a fierce selection debate.
Table of Contents
- The Kishan Explosion That Changed Everything
- Samson’s Struggles: A Pattern Emerges
- Expert Opinion: Aakash Chopra’s Concerns
- The Technical Flaw Haunting Samson
- The World Cup Stakes and the Final Decision
- Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Indian Cricket
- Sources
The Kishan Explosion That Changed Everything
In the second T20I against New Zealand, Ishan Kishan delivered a masterclass in power-hitting. Chasing a mammoth 209, Kishan didn’t just contribute; he demolished the Kiwi bowling attack, smashing a breathtaking 76 off just 32 balls . His innings included the fastest fifty by an Indian against New Zealand in the format, reached in a mere 21 deliveries . This wasn’t just a good knock; it was a statement of intent, a performance that screamed, “I am ready for the big stage.” His aggressive approach at number three provided the perfect launchpad for Suryakumar Yadav to finish the game, securing a commanding 2-0 series lead for India .
Samson’s Struggles: A Pattern Emerges
While Kishan was lighting up the scoreboard, Sanju Samson’s returns in the same series have been alarmingly modest. He managed just 10 runs in the first T20I and a mere 6 in the second . This isn’t an isolated incident. His recent T20I form since 2025 shows an average of just 18.30 from 13 innings, a statistic that simply doesn’t cut it for a top-order batter in a world-class side . For a player of his immense talent, these are numbers that raise serious questions about his consistency at the highest level.
Expert Opinion: Aakash Chopra’s Concerns
Former Indian opener and respected analyst Aakash Chopra has been vocal about this growing dilemma. While initially hopeful that both keepers could find their rhythm, Chopra has now openly questioned Samson’s position in the side. He points to the direct competition between Samson and Kishan for a key role in India’s T20I setup, suggesting that the team management needs to make a definitive ‘Yes or No’ call on who to back moving forward [[2], [7]]. With Kishan delivering when it mattered most, the balance of power in this selection battle has visibly shifted.
The Technical Flaw Haunting Samson
Beyond the raw numbers, there’s a recurring technical issue that plagues Samson’s game. Analysts and former players have long pointed out his vulnerability against short-pitched bowling and his tendency to get dismissed while playing expansive drives away from his body [[18], [19]]. This specific weakness has been exploited by international bowlers time and again, turning his potential into frustration. In contrast, Kishan’s recent innings showcased a more compact and brutal approach, focused on clearing the front leg and targeting the spinners and pace bowlers alike with minimal risk.
The World Cup Stakes and the Final Decision
The upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026 adds immense pressure to this decision. India cannot afford to carry a top-order batter who is prone to collapses, especially when a proven, in-form alternative like Ishan Kishan is available. The selectors are faced with a classic dilemma: do they stick with the elegant but inconsistent Samson, or do they back the explosive and currently red-hot Kishan? The answer to this question will shape India’s batting lineup for the biggest tournament in the format. For a deeper dive into India’s World Cup preparations, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-world-cup-2026-squad-preview].
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Indian Cricket
Sanju Samson remains a player of extraordinary talent, capable of innings that can win matches on his own. However, in the high-stakes world of international cricket, potential is not enough. With Ishan Kishan firing on all cylinders and the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the window for Samson to prove his worth in the Sanju Samson T20I spot is closing fast. The Indian team management must now decide whether to persist with a known quantity who struggles for consistency or embrace a new force who is peaking at the perfect time. The next few games will be critical for Samson’s international future.
Sources
- Times of India: Sanju Samson in trouble? Keeper’s place in team questioned after Kishan’s heroics
- Aakash Chopra YouTube Channel: Analysis on IND vs NZ 2026
- ESPNcricinfo: India vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I Scorecard