Before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has made a remarkable comeback with half-centuries in two consecutive matches. However, the team India's opening riddle has become tangled again. The main reason behind it is Sanju Samson's form. Sanju hasn't capitalized on the opportunities given and has managed to score only 16 runs in the 3 innings played against New Zealand in the ongoing T20 series.
When Indian selectors deliberated over the T20 World Cup squad, one significant question was who would open the innings with Abhishek Sharma? In the race were Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson. The decision wasn't just about opening, but also about maintaining a balance in the wicketkeeping department. Ultimately, the edge was given to Sanju Samson. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that the decision to keep Shubman out was focused more on team combination than just form.
Granted the Opening Position, but...
To some extent, this decision was a correction of a prior misstep. When Shubman Gill returned to the T20 team via Asia Cup, Sanju Samson lost his opening position and was moved to the middle order. The middle order didn't suit Sanju at all. Not only did he struggle there, but backup wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma seemed more effective. As conversations for the World Cup began, the picture shifted again. With Shubman not scoring, Sanju was given the opening responsibility once more. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan was included in the team as a reserve wicketkeeper and top-order backup.
But two weeks before India's first World Cup match, a shadow began to creep over this robust batting line-up. Despite India taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series against New Zealand through dominating batting displays, Sanju Samson's role in these victories was minimal. The situation worsened in Guwahati, where Sanju was dismissed on the first delivery, trying to flick the ball and missing completely. This isn't just an isolated match or a week-long issue. Since January 2025, Sanju Samson has opened in nine T20I innings, only managing to pass the powerplay once, scoring just 104 runs with an average of 11.55 and a strike rate of 133.33.
Sanju Samson as a T20I Opener Since 2025
26 runs (20 balls), 5 runs (7 balls), 3 runs (6 balls), 1 run (3 balls), 16 runs (7 balls), 37 runs (22 balls), 10 runs (7 balls), 6 runs (5 balls), 0 run (1 ball)
Ironically, it was Sanju Samson's past performances that had granted him preference over Shubman Gill. In 2024, Sanju instilled confidence with both strike rate and big scores. He made an impression with 111 runs off 47 balls against Bangladesh in Hyderabad and 109 off 56 balls against South Africa in Johannesburg. Now, the question arises: how long will the credits from these innings last?
Former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane openly discussed Sanju Samson's technique with Cricbuzz. Rahane said, 'There's a small change in his game. He's playing too much from the back foot, preventing him from leaning into the balls and making him stand bit upright. Looking at how he gets out, it's often in areas like square leg in the first game and mid-on in the second. This is a result of that back-and-across movement. In T20, one doesn't think much about technique, but timing is crucial.'
The Complicated Rise of Ishan Kishan
Sanju Samson's predicament is further complicated by Ishan Kishan, who, similar to fellow opener Abhishek Sharma, is entirely capable of crashing the powerplay with aggressive intent. His approach even surprised Suryakumar Yadav in Raipur, while he, along with Abhishek, hammered 94 runs in the powerplay in Guwahati. Even though Ishan got his chance in the playing eleven due to Tilak Varma's injury, he has displayed both experience and confidence in opening for India. The fact remains, Ishan is stepping into the powerplay batting because of Sanju's lackluster performances.
Now, the question revolves around this tangled triangle of Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma. Tilak is on the verge of regaining full fitness and is set to return to the Indian team. Currently ranked third in T20 batting standings, Tilak has maintained good form. What's crucial to see is whether, upon his return, an in-form Ishan Kishan will be dropped, or will it be Sanju who makes way.
At present, it appears that the axe isn't immediately hanging over Sanju Samson's spot. The team management has recently placed their trust in him in the top order. With Suryakumar Yadav rediscovering his form in three days, there's hope Sanju will get opportunities in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. However, if the scenario doesn't change there either, then Team India might be required to make a tough decision right before the World Cup, with Sanju once again at the center of it...
