Sanju Samson’s poor form has become a major concern for Team India as the T20 World Cup approaches. The right-handed batter has failed to make an impact in the first three T20Is against New Zealand, and time is running out for him. This pressure has increased because Ishan Kishan has performed well at No. 3 and looks far more confident.
What’s going on, Sanju Samson bhai?
You used to perform whenever you got a chance, even without backing. Now the team backs you fully, yet the runs aren’t coming. We can’t see you like this.
Please bounce back soon, we believe in you. 🤞 pic.twitter.com/EdlgK8gv0y
— Mahi Patel (@Mahi_Patel_07) January 26, 2026
Earlier, there was a lot of debate when Shubman Gill replaced Samson as an opener. Many former players and fans felt Samson was treated unfairly, especially after he scored three T20I centuries for India in 2024. However, Gill did not deliver the expected results at the top of the order. As a result, he was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad, and Samson returned as an opener.
Unfortunately, Samson has not been able to grab this opportunity. In the first three T20Is against New Zealand, he has scored just 10, 6, and 0. These low scores have raised serious questions about his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. In contrast, Ishan Kishan, who came into the team as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma, has made good use of his chances. Kishan has scored 8, 76, and 28 in the same matches and has looked far more assured at the crease.With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, Team India’s management faces tough decisions. Unless Samson finds form quickly, Kishan appears to be ahead in the race for a place in the final squad.
-No blind slogging like Pant
-No tuktuk like KL Rahul
-No big mouth like Jitesh Sharma
Just pure skills & talent , watching the ball & timing it or hitting with straight bat.That’s Sanju Samson for you 🔥#INDvSA #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/LUEkYGmGsA— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) December 10, 2025
Ajinkya Rahane in Support Of Samson
Ajinkya Rahane feels that India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir must step in to help Sanju Samson come out of his poor run of scores. Rahane said the team management should reassure Samson about his place in the side so his confidence does not drop further.
Rahane believes Samson should be told clearly that he will get the remaining two matches of the five-T20I series against New Zealand and will also be considered for the 2026 T20 World Cup. According to him, this clarity will allow Samson to play without fear.
“That’s where I feel the team management’s role and the captain’s role will be crucial, telling Sanju Samson that you’re going to play all these matches and also in the World Cup as well,” Rahane said on Cricbuzz. “So don’t worry about your place.”
Rahane also pointed out that batting alongside an aggressive partner like Abhishek Sharma can add extra pressure on Samson. He feels Samson may be trying too hard to match Abhishek’s scoring rate.
“Sometimes, when you have a guy like Abhishek Sharma at the other end who’s going really strong… Sanju Samson will have this pressure on himself as he’s basically trying to match him. The only thing for Sanjay Samson is sticking to his own game plan and backing himself,” he added.
Also Read :India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Full Match Highlights, Scorecard, Key Moments
