Sanju Samson failed to score any run in two matches against Sri Lanka. Will Sanju Samson get any more chances in T20Is or not? Will India still consider him for T20Is?
India completed a clean sweep of the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a 3-0 victory, securing their final win in the third match of the series. Throughout much of the game, Sri Lanka had the upper hand and looked set to clinch the win. However, a dramatic collapse in the later stages of the match led to a tie, and India emerged victorious after a gripping Super Over. While this series triumph was celebrated by the India team and their supporters, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson may be facing a period of introspection.
Despite ongoing discussions about making Samson a permanent member of the India squad, his inconsistent performances have been a significant obstacle. Although he was excluded from the ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka, he remained in the T20I team, offering him a chance to solidify his place.
Regrettably, Samson did not seize this opportunity. His batting was notably poor during the two games he participated in, as he was dismissed for ducks on both occasions. Moreover, his struggles with the bat were mirrored in his wicketkeeping, as he missed three catches during the third T20I. This lacklustre performance across both disciplines has put Samson’s future in the India team at risk, raising questions about his ability to secure a stable position.
Abundance of Wicket-keeping options
Samson’s poor show in the recent series is also under scanner because team India has a plethora of options when it comes to keeping the wickets. The presence of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul in the squad presents a prominent challenge for Sanju Samson to secure a position. The 29-year-old’s recent underperformance during the T20I series against Sri Lanka could further jeopardise his chances of making the T20I team. With India’s team being richly endowed with talent, players find it difficult to establish themselves firmly before potentially being sidelined.
Samson faces intense competition for the wicketkeeper’s role from players such as Rishabh Pant, Jitesh Sharma, and Dhruv Jurel. This stiff competition makes it even harder for him to carve out a niche solely as a batter. His lacklustre performance in recent games could threaten his position in the national team, particularly under the presence of newly elected coach Gautam Gambhir, who looks in no mood to compromise talent.
Moreover, Samson has struggled to consistently gain the favour of selectors and coaches, as evidenced by his multiple omissions from the team in the past. The recent T20I series performance, where he failed to make a significant impact, might result in an extended absence from the national squad.
Samson's poor show in T20Is for India
Sanju Samson's T20I record for India reveals a modest performance across his career. Over 30 matches and 26 innings, he has accumulated 444 runs at an average of 19.3 and a strike rate of 131.6, with just two half-centuries to his name. This record highlights his struggle to make a significant impact in the format.
Despite these challenges, Samson was granted two opportunities by the new India head coach, Gautam Gambhir, in the current T20I series to demonstrate his capabilities. Unfortunately, he was dismissed for ducks in both innings. Furthermore, his performance as a wicketkeeper was subpar, as he dropped three crucial catches during the third T20I.
This series of missteps have led to increasing scepticism among fans and experts about his place in the team. With the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, there are growing calls from the cricket fraternity for the management to reconsider Samson's position.
Read More: Management keen on giving Pant a long rope, but should they keep options open in white-ball cricket?
Proven player in IPL
There is no doubt that Samson doesn’t lack talent. Despite facing difficulties on the international stage, the Kerala-born has demonstrated considerable prowess as a batter in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His performances with the Rajasthan Royals highlight his ability to excel under pressure in a different environment.
Samson’s leadership and consistent run-scoring in the IPL indicate that he performs well when provided with a clear role and responsibilities. However, replicating this impressive form in international cricket has proven to be a challenge for him.
Examining Samson's record over the past three IPL seasons since 2022 reveals his substantial impact in the tournament. In 46 innings, he has amassed 1,351 runs at an average of 34.6, accompanied by an impressive strike rate of 151.1. Notably, he has recorded ten scores of 50 or more during this period, highlighting his ability to deliver substantial performances consistently. This success in the IPL demonstrates his skill and potential, yet bridging the gap between his domestic achievements and international expectations remains a significant obstacle for Samson.
However, apart from fans’ support and significant IPL statistics, there is no reason for new India head coach Gautam Gambhir to be impressed by Sanju Samson at this point. Samson must understand that in a competitive environment like India's, every opportunity must be seized. His most notable contribution recently was a score of 58 against Zimbabwe in Harare earlier this month. With numerous talented batters vying for spots, Samson faces the risk of being overlooked permanently if he does not improve his form on the international stage.
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