When a senior player publicly calls out a teammate, you know something’s brewing in the dressing room—or at least in the court of public opinion. And that’s exactly what happened when Yuzvendra Chahal didn’t hold back while discussing Sanju Samson’s ongoing struggles with the bat.
In a candid and unusually direct statement, Chahal declared: “Pressure isn’t an excuse.” He emphasized that Samson has been given multiple opportunities in the current India vs New Zealand series but has consistently failed to deliver. With backup wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan performing strongly in domestic and IPL circuits—and even during his limited chances—Chahal suggested it might be time for the team management to consider a change [[1]].
This isn’t just locker-room chatter—it’s a high-stakes commentary on selection, accountability, and performance under pressure in Indian cricket. Let’s unpack what’s really going on.
Speaking on a recent sports panel, Chahal didn’t mince words. “He’s had chances. More than most,” he said, referring to Samson’s repeated selection despite inconsistent returns. “Every player feels pressure—that’s part of international cricket. But you can’t keep using it as a reason for failure.”
Chahal pointed out that Samson’s technique against pace and spin in the middle overs has looked shaky, and his inability to convert starts into big scores has become a recurring theme. “If someone like Ishan Kishan is scoring runs consistently and waiting patiently, maybe it’s time to give him a proper run,” Chahal added [[1]].
While teammates rarely speak so openly, Chahal’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among fans and analysts alike—especially after Samson’s latest sub-20 score in the T20I series against New Zealand.
Let’s look at the numbers—they don’t lie:
More concerning is his inconsistency in high-pressure situations. In bilateral series against top-6 ICC teams since 2023, Samson has managed only one fifty. Contrast this with his dominant performances in the IPL—where he averages over 35—and the disconnect becomes glaring.
While Samson struggles, Ishan Kishan has been quietly building a compelling case. In the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, he scored two centuries and averaged 58. In the last IPL, he notched 450+ runs at a strike rate of 145.
Kishan also brings explosive power at the top of the order—a trait India often lacks in overseas conditions. His aggressive intent complements the current team balance better, especially in T20Is where early momentum is critical.
Former selector Saba Karim recently noted on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-wicketkeeper-debate] that “Kishan’s temperament has matured, and his glove work is now on par with Samson’s.” That’s a significant shift from earlier critiques of his keeping.
This isn’t the first time Samson’s place has been questioned. Despite being touted as a future star since his U-19 days, his international career has been marked by yo-yo selections:
His supporters argue he’s a victim of unrealistic expectations and inconsistent team strategies. But critics, now including Chahal, say opportunity doesn’t guarantee tenure—performance does.
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle weighed in on social media: “Chahal’s point is valid. Selection isn’t about loyalty—it’s about who’s delivering *now*.” Meanwhile, former captain Sunil Gavaskar cautioned against knee-jerk reactions but admitted, “If a player can’t handle pressure at this level, maybe he’s not ready for the role.”
Even the BCCI’s own performance review panel has reportedly flagged Samson’s conversion rate as a “red flag” in their internal assessments—a detail confirmed by ESPNcricinfo [[4]].
With the T20 World Cup 2026 looming and a packed calendar ahead, India can’t afford to carry passengers. The wicketkeeper-batter slot is too valuable to leave underperforming.
If Samson fails again in the upcoming ODIs against New Zealand, a switch to Kishan seems inevitable. The team management, led by Rahul Dravid, has shown a willingness to make tough calls—remember Rishabh Pant’s temporary benching in 2024?
For more on India’s evolving squad dynamics, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:team-india-2026-world-cup-prospects].
Yuzvendra Chahal’s blunt take on Sanju Samson may sting, but it’s rooted in a hard truth: in elite sport, potential must translate into performance. Pressure is universal—but so is accountability. With Ishan Kishan knocking loudly on the door and the team’s balance at stake, Samson’s window for redemption is narrowing fast. The next few games won’t just test his technique—they’ll test his place in India’s future.
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