The cricketing world is buzzing with a familiar yet controversial question: is Sanju Samson dropped from India’s T20I playing XI once again? For a player of his undeniable talent, this recurring selection drama has become a frustrating narrative. His recent omission isn’t about form—it’s about a high-stakes strategic reshuffle led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, and it’s a move that speaks volumes about India’s aggressive path towards the next T20 World Cup.
Table of Contents
- The Return of Gill and Pandya: The Catalyst
- Why is Sanju Samson Dropped Again?
- Jitesh Sharma’s Rise: The New Contender
- Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s Grand Strategy
- What This Means for India’s World Cup Hopes
- Conclusion: A Tough Call for a Greater Good?
- Sources
The Return of Gill and Pandya: The Catalyst
The primary trigger for this selection storm is the much-anticipated return of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya to the Indian T20I fold . After recovering from their respective injuries, their comeback wasn’t just a squad addition—it was a complete tactical recalibration. Shubman Gill, India’s preferred opener in white-ball cricket, was immediately slotted back at the top of the order, a position he has owned with remarkable consistency .
This move directly displaced Sanju Samson, who had been shouldering the opening responsibilities in Gill’s absence. While Samson had showcased his trademark flair at the top, the team management’s clear preference for Gill’s technical solidity and proven track record in that role was undeniable .
Why is Sanju Samson Dropped Again?
Here’s the crux of the matter. When pushed down to the middle order to accommodate Gill, Samson’s returns were modest. Reports indicate he managed only one fifty in five innings during his middle-order stint before being benched previously . This isn’t a reflection of his ability, but rather the brutal reality of T20 cricket where roles are hyper-specialized, and the margin for adaptation is razor-thin.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav has been candid about this, stating that the team had “given Sanju opportunities” in the middle order but the results weren’t convincing enough to secure his spot over other options . The message was clear: in a high-octane, results-driven setup, even a wicketkeeper-batter of Samson’s calibre must prove his worth in the specific role assigned to him.
Jitesh Sharma’s Rise: The New Contender
Samson isn’t just battling his own recent scores; he’s up against a surging Jitesh Sharma. The RCB star, who fetched a massive INR 11 Crore in the IPL 2025 auction, has been in blistering form in domestic and franchise cricket . His IPL 2025 performance was a masterclass in explosive middle-order hitting, where he amassed crucial runs at a staggering strike rate .
Sharma’s skillset appears to align perfectly with the specific brief for the No. 5 or 6 spot: clear the ropes from ball one, provide a late-innings surge, and offer a reliable second wicketkeeping option. His recent T20I outings have shown glimpses of this promise, making him a compelling alternative to Samson in the current tactical framework .
The Middle-Order Conundrum: A Quick Look
| Player | Recent Form Context | Primary Role in T20I Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | Explosive at top, inconsistent in middle order | Opener / Middle-order WK |
| Jitesh Sharma | Explosive finisher in IPL 2025 | Middle-order Finisher / WK |
| Suryakumar Yadav (C) | World’s best T20I batter (ICC Ranked) | No. 3 / Anchor & Innovator |
| Tilak Varma | Consistent and adaptable | No. 4 / Accumulator |
Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s Grand Strategy
Yadav’s captaincy is defined by a ruthless pragmatism. His public comments reveal a philosophy where “everyone has to be flexible,” but the team’s immediate tactical needs come first . His decision to back Gill as the permanent opener and explore other options like Jitesh in the middle order is a calculated risk.
This strategy is less about punishing Samson and more about stress-testing every possible combination before the T20 World Cup. It’s about building a unit with clearly defined roles where every player knows their job. Yadav is building a machine, and right now, Samson’s role in that specific machine is uncertain .
What This Means for India’s World Cup Hopes
This internal competition is a luxury for a team as deep as India’s. The intense battle for the wicketkeeper-batter spot is actually a sign of strength. It forces every player to raise their game and ensures that the final XI is built on current, proven performance rather than past reputation.
For fans, it’s a source of anguish, especially for Samson’s loyalists. But from a strategic standpoint, having two world-class wicketkeeper-batters like Samson and Jitesh fighting for a spot gives India incredible flexibility on the global stage. The winner of this battle will be a key asset in their title defense .
Conclusion: A Tough Call for a Greater Good?
So, is Sanju Samson dropped? The evidence strongly suggests he’s on the outside looking in for the immediate future. It’s a harsh reality for a player who can change a game in a session, but it’s the nature of elite sport. Suryakumar Yadav’s focus on a rigid, role-based structure, combined with Jitesh Sharma’s red-hot form, has created the perfect storm that has sidelined the Kerala star. While it’s a controversial move, it’s a clear signal that India is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for T20 World Cup glory.
Sources
[INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-world-cup-squad-2026-projections]
ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings
Times of India: ‘Shocking! We gave Sanju opportunities’
BCCI Official Announcements on India’s T20I Squad for South Africa (December 2025)
IPL 2025 Player Statistics and Auction Data [[21], [28]]