Sanju Samson’s T20I Spot in Jeopardy After Ishan Kishan’s Explosive Knock, Warns Aakash Chopra

Sanju Samson’s T20I Spot: A Crisis of Confidence or a Temporary Blip?

The pressure is mounting on Sanju Samson. Despite being on home soil and with India leading the series against New Zealand, the star wicketkeeper-batter finds himself at a critical crossroads in his international career. The reason? A stark contrast in form between him and his rival, Ishan Kishan, has not gone unnoticed by the cricketing fraternity.

Former India opener and respected analyst Aakash Chopra has thrown down the gauntlet, openly questioning Sanju Samson’s T20I spot in the national side. This comes on the heels of Kishan’s breathtaking, match-winning performance that has sent shockwaves through the selection committee’s plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Table of Contents

• The Kishan Catalyst: A Knock That Changed Everything
• Samson’s Struggles: A Pattern of Failure
• Aakash Chopra’s Scathing Assessment
• The T20 World Cup Stakes
• Conclusion: What’s Next for the Keepers?
• Sources

The Kishan Catalyst: A Knock That Changed Everything

In the second T20I in Raipur, Ishan Kishan didn’t just play an innings; he delivered a statement. Returning to the side after a two-year absence, Kishan unleashed a brutal assault on the New Zealand bowling attack, smashing a sensational 76 off just 32 balls . His knock, laced with 11 fours and 4 sixes, was the cornerstone of India’s record chase of 209 .

This wasn’t just a good innings; it was a record-breaking one. Kishan’s 21-ball fifty was the fastest by any Indian against New Zealand in the T20I format, instantly making him the hero of the hour and, more importantly, a serious contender for the long-term wicketkeeping role . His explosive start gave Suryakumar Yadav the rare luxury of time to build his own innings, showcasing a perfect top-order partnership .

Samson’s Struggles: A Pattern of Failure

While Kishan was setting the stage alight, Sanju Samson’s personal campaign continued its downward spiral. In the first two matches of the series, he managed scores of just 10 and 6 . These are not the numbers expected from a player who has been given consistent opportunities at the top of the order.

Chopra has pointed out a recurring theme in Samson’s dismissals: a tendency to get out while driving, often playing away from his body . This technical flaw, when exposed at the highest level, can be fatal. Over his last 12 T20I innings, his average has plummeted to a concerning 19.33, a far cry from the consistency India needs heading into a global tournament .

Aakash Chopra’s Scathing Assessment

Aakash Chopra, known for his incisive commentary, has been unequivocal in his criticism. He stated that “Sanju Samson’s T20I numbers are not flattering at all” and that he has consistently failed to grab his opportunities . Chopra believes the pressure is now squarely on Samson to perform, especially with Kishan’s knock strengthening his own case for selection .

The former batter went a step further, suggesting that Samson is “not yet a certainty in Team India’s playing XI for the 2026 T20 World Cup” and that it could very well be Ishan Kishan who gets the nod if the current trend continues . This is a significant indictment from a respected voice in Indian cricket, highlighting the precarious nature of Samson’s position.

The T20 World Cup Stakes

The timing of this form battle couldn’t be more critical. With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the Indian selectors are under immense pressure to finalize a squad that can deliver the ultimate prize. The wicketkeeper’s role is pivotal, not just for their glovework but for their ability to provide explosive starts or stabilize the innings.

Currently, the choice seems to be a direct toss-up between Samson and Kishan . While Samson offers a more classical batting style and has been a mainstay, Kishan brings unmatched power-hitting and the X-factor that modern T20 cricket demands. The selectors must now decide whether to back the experienced but struggling Samson or gamble on the in-form but less-tested Kishan. For more on India’s potential World Cup squad, see our [INTERNAL_LINK:T20 World Cup 2026 India Squad Prediction].

Conclusion: What’s Next for the Keepers?

The writing is on the wall for Sanju Samson. His Sanju Samson’s T20I spot is no longer secure. The heroics of Ishan Kishan have provided the selectors with a compelling alternative, and the public critique from a figure like Aakash Chopra only amplifies the pressure. The next few games in this series will be a massive test of Samson’s character and technique. Can he silence his critics with a big score on his home ground, or will Kishan’s momentum carry him all the way to the World Cup? The battle for India’s gloves is officially on, and the stakes have never been higher.

Sources

• Times of India: Original Article
• ESPNcricinfo Player Profiles: Sanju Samson & Ishan Kishan Stats
• BCCI Official Match Reports: India vs New Zealand Series