Gavaskar’s Scathing Verdict: Is Sanju Samson’s T20 World Cup Dream Over?

‘No footwork’: Gavaskar’s brutal takedown of Samson after another missed chance

The axe of public and expert opinion is hovering dangerously close to Sanju Samson’s international career. After another tame dismissal in the India vs New Zealand T20I series, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter has found himself at the receiving end of a scathing, technically precise takedown from none other than the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. The core of Gavaskar’s critique? A fundamental flaw that has plagued Samson for years: a complete lack of footwork, especially against spin bowling.

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The Latest Failure: A Pattern Emerges

In the 4th T20I against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, Samson managed to score 24 runs before being dismissed by Mitchell Santner [[2]]. On the surface, it might seem like a modest improvement, but in the context of his recent form, it was another missed opportunity. His scores in the series read a dismal 10, 6, 0, and 24 [[1]]. This consistent failure at the top of the order, particularly against quality spinners like Santner, has not only hurt the team’s momentum but has also amplified the scrutiny on his technique.

For a player of his undeniable talent and domestic record, this level of inconsistency at the international level is baffling and, for selectors, increasingly untenable. Every innings feels like a final chance, and so far, he’s failed to seize it.

Gavaskar’s Brutal Technical Takedown

It was during the live broadcast of the match that Sunil Gavaskar, known for his no-nonsense analysis, delivered his verdict. Watching Samson’s dismissal, Gavaskar didn’t mince words. He bluntly stated, “There is hardly any movement of the feet,” a comment that quickly went viral [[13]]. He later doubled down, expanding on the issue: “No footwork at all… Like I said, he should have been on the front foot” [[14]].

Gavaskar’s criticism wasn’t just about the result of the dismissal; it was a deep dive into the Sanju Samson method. He pinpointed the static stance as the primary reason Samson keeps getting trapped in front or bowled by spinners who flight the ball and draw him onto the back foot. This isn’t new criticism, but coming from a batting great of Gavaskar’s stature, it carries immense weight and has reignited the debate about his place in the side.

The Chronic Footwork Problem Explained

So, what exactly is the issue with Samson’s footwork? In cricket, footwork is the foundation of a batsman’s balance and ability to access different scoring areas. Against spin, moving forward allows a batter to smother the turn and drive through the line, while moving back gives them more time to adjust to bounce or sharp turn.

Samson’s tendency is to stay rooted in his crease, relying almost entirely on his hands and wrists to play the ball. While this can produce stunning shots on his day, it’s a high-risk strategy. When the ball doesn’t come onto the bat, or when a spinner deceives him in the air, he has no base to fall back on. This leaves his stumps exposed and makes him vulnerable to being trapped LBW. As one analysis put it, by not moving his feet, he “exposed his stumps” [[12]]. This technical flaw is his Achilles’ heel, and world-class bowlers know exactly how to exploit it.

Sanju Samson and the T20 World Cup Pressure

The timing of this crisis couldn’t be worse. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and India has already announced its 15-member squad [[26]]. While Samson is in the squad, his place as the primary wicketkeeper-batter is far from secure. His recent form provides little confidence, and Gavaskar’s very public critique has only added to the immense pressure.

Selectors are looking for players who are in peak form and whose techniques are robust enough to handle the high-stakes environment of a World Cup. Samson’s recurring technical issue raises a serious question: can he be trusted in a must-win game against a top-tier spinner? His performances in this New Zealand series have done nothing to assuage these fears.

The Competition: Who Else is in the Frame?

Samson isn’t operating in a vacuum. He faces intense competition for the wicketkeeper’s spot, most notably from Ishan Kishan. Kishan has been in devastating form, playing with freedom and aggression, and crucially, without the same glaring technical vulnerabilities against spin [[15]].

The choice for the selectors is becoming stark:

  • Sanju Samson: Immense talent, but hampered by a chronic and exploitable technical flaw, currently out of form.
  • Ishan Kishan: In red-hot form, plays with a more orthodox and balanced technique, and appears mentally unburdened.

This direct competition makes every failure for Samson even more costly. Social media has already erupted with calls to “just drop him” [[7]], reflecting the growing frustration among fans.

Conclusion: Can Samson Turn It Around?

The path forward for Sanju Samson is narrow but not impossible. He possesses the raw talent that got him this far. The question now is whether he can perform the most difficult task for any established player: re-engineer a fundamental part of his technique under the brightest lights. He needs to dedicate himself to developing proactive footwork in the nets, turning it from a conscious effort into an instinctive reaction. The final T20I of the series is his last chance to show he’s listening and can adapt. If he fails, his role in the T20 World Cup may be reduced to that of a backup, with his long-term future in the Indian T20I side hanging in the balance. For more on India’s World Cup preparations, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:t20-world-cup-2026-india-squad-analysis].

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