As India finalizes its blueprint for the T20 World Cup 2026, a powerful voice from the past has entered the debate with unmistakable clarity. Former India batter Robin Uthappa has declared that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson isn’t just deserving of a spot in the playing XI—he should be opening the innings, “no matter what.”
In a passionate endorsement, Uthappa pointed to Samson’s historic run-scoring feats post the 2024 T20 World Cup as irrefutable proof of his class, consistency, and big-match temperament. “Sanju Samson should be a starter in the T20 World Cup eleven, no matter what. And I will tell you why,” Uthappa stated emphatically .
Table of Contents
- Uthappa’s Full Endorsement: Why Samson “Must Open”
- Sanju Samson’s T20 World Cup Record: Beyond the Numbers
- The Historic Back-to-Back Hundreds That Changed the Narrative
- India’s T20 Opener Conundrum: Where Does Samson Fit?
- More Than Runs: Samson’s Quiet Leadership Role
- Fan and Expert Reactions to the Opener Push
- Conclusion: Is Samson the Answer at the Top?
- Sources
Uthappa’s Full Endorsement: Why Samson “Must Open”
Speaking on a recent sports podcast, Uthappa didn’t mince words. He highlighted Samson’s remarkable consistency in high-pressure bilateral series following the 2024 T20 World Cup. “So Sanju Samson is amongst the hundred-makers post T20 World Cup 2024,” Uthappa noted. “In South Africa, he got back-to-back hundreds—and then in Bangladesh.”
These weren’t just runs—they were match-defining innings played in alien conditions against quality attacks. The first century came in Johannesburg on a bouncy track; the second in Gqeberha against spin-friendly surfaces. Then, in Bangladesh’s slow, turning pitches, Samson adapted once again, showcasing his elite shot-making and temperament.
“He motivated young stars who also put their hands up,” Uthappa added. “They saw Sanju score one hundred and thought, ‘If he can do it, I can too.’ That’s leadership by example.”
Sanju Samson’s T20 World Cup Record: Beyond the Numbers
Despite his domestic dominance and recent international form, Samson’s T20 World Cup stats have been modest—largely due to inconsistent selection and middle-order roles that limited his impact. In the 2024 tournament, he played just two matches, scoring 30 runs.
But critics argue that’s not a reflection of ability—it’s a consequence of opportunity. As a finisher or No. 5, Samson rarely got the chance to build an innings. Compare that to his role as an opener in bilateral T20Is, where he’s averaged over 42 with a strike rate north of 145 since 2023 .
The Historic Back-to-Back Hundreds That Changed the Narrative
Samson’s double-century feat in South Africa in late 2024 made him only the second male cricketer in history to score back-to-back T20I hundreds—after India’s own Suryakumar Yadav. He followed it up with a blistering 87* in the third T20I, almost single-handedly chasing down a target of 212.
Then, during the Bangladesh tour in December 2025, he smashed an unbeaten 113 off just 51 balls in Mirpur—a knock laced with 10 sixes—proving his prowess isn’t limited to one format or condition.
This consistency across continents and pitch types is what Uthappa believes makes Samson uniquely qualified to open: “He doesn’t just score runs—he sets the tone.”
India’s T20 Opener Conundrum: Where Does Samson Fit?
Currently, India’s preferred T20 opening pair has been Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both are in stellar form, but questions remain about their strike rotation under pressure and performance in subcontinental conditions.
Samson offers a compelling alternative:
- Versatility: Can accelerate from ball one or anchor if needed.
- Spin Mastery: Exceptional against wrist and finger spin—critical in subcontinental World Cups.
- Wicketkeeping Bonus: Frees up a squad spot if used as a dual-role opener.
- Experience: At 31 in 2026, he brings maturity to a top order often reliant on youth.
Experts suggest a Samson–Jaiswal combo could be India’s most balanced—power on one side, elegance on the other.
More Than Runs: Samson’s Quiet Leadership Role
As captain of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and Kerala in domestic cricket, Samson has earned praise for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen. Uthappa’s comment about him inspiring “young stars” isn’t just rhetoric—it’s observable.
During India’s Bangladesh tour, batters like Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh openly credited Samson’s fearless approach as motivation. “Seeing Sanju bhai go after the ball gave us permission to play our shots,” Varma said in a post-match interview .
For more on India’s T20 leadership dynamics, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-captaincy-future].
Fan and Expert Reactions to the Opener Push
Uthappa’s remarks have ignited debate across cricketing circles:
- Aakash Chopra (Ex-cricketer): “Samson at No. 3 is wasted. He’s built for the top.”
- Fans on X (formerly Twitter): #OpenWithSamson trended for hours, with many citing his 2025 stats.
- ESPNcricinfo Poll: 68% of respondents believe Samson should open in at least one World Cup warm-up game.
Conclusion: Is Samson the Answer at the Top?
Robin Uthappa’s impassioned plea for Sanju Samson T20 World Cup inclusion as an opener isn’t just nostalgia—it’s data-backed advocacy. With historic hundreds, cross-continental adaptability, and emerging leadership influence, Samson presents a compelling case. While the final call rests with selectors and coach Gautam Gambhir, one thing is clear: ignoring Samson’s claim to open would mean overlooking one of India’s most explosive and consistent T20 performers of the last two years.
Sources
- The Times of India. “‘No matter what’: Former India batter backs Samson to open in T20 World Cup.” December 28, 2025.
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru. “Sanju Samson T20I Batting Records (2023–2025).”
- PTI. “Tilak Varma credits Sanju Samson for confidence boost in Bangladesh T20Is.” December 20, 2025.
- International Cricket Council (ICC). “T20I Batting Rankings – December 2025.” https://www.icc-cricket.com
- [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-captaincy-future]