Pressure is quietly building around Sanju Samson as India’s T20 World Cup plans begin to take shape. The wicketkeeper-batter’s difficult run with the bat continued in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, leaving serious questions about his future in the shortest format. In the third T20I on Sunday, Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck while chasing a target of 154, adding to an already underwhelming series.
Across three matches, Sanju Samson managed scores of 10, 6 and 0, failing to make a meaningful impact at a time when performances matter the most. With opportunities limited and competition fierce, his inability to convert starts or steady the innings has become hard to ignore.
In contrast, Ishan Kishan has made the most of his chances and appears to have strengthened his grip on the role of India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in T20Is. He played a blistering knock of 76 off just 32 balls in the second T20I, powering India to a comfortable chase of 209. He followed it up with another quick contribution in the third match, scoring 28 off 13 balls as India sealed the series with an eight-wicket win.
Former India opener and ex-chief selector Kris Srikkanth weighed in on the debate after India’s latest victory. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he made it clear that Ishan Kishan’s form has put him firmly ahead in the race. Srikkanth suggested that when a player is performing with such impact, it becomes extremely difficult to leave him out of the side. He also expressed sympathy for Sanju Samson, noting that the pressure to perform may be affecting his decision-making at the crease.
Srikkanth pointed out that inconsistency has followed Sanju Samson at the international level for some time now. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, those performances have not been sustained. According to him, Sanju Samson’s form has gone up and down over the past year and a half, with his last major international high point being his century against South Africa.
The former selector also highlighted how intense competition in the Indian batting lineup leaves little room for prolonged struggles. With young batters like Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan delivering consistently, the team management has strong options. Ishan Kishan’s added value as a keeper-batter and his current explosive form only strengthen his case.
As the T20 World Cup draws closer, Sanju Samson finds himself at a crossroads. Without a strong comeback soon, his place in the team could slip away in a format that rewards form over reputation.
There is no doubt that Srikkanth is saying the right thing, what do you say?
