In the high-stakes world of international cricket, a single technical flaw can be the difference between stardom and being shown the door. For Sanju Samson, that flaw—his lack of footwork against spin—has been thrust into the harsh spotlight once again, this time by none other than the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Following another low score in the New Zealand T20I series, Gavaskar’s scathing commentary has ignited a fierce debate about Samson’s place in India’s T20 World Cup plans.
During a recent broadcast, Sunil Gavaskar didn’t mince words. He described Samson’s approach as having “no footwork at all,” a damning indictment from a man who built his career on impeccable technique. Gavaskar, known for his no-nonsense analysis, pointed out that Samson’s tendency to stay rooted at the crease makes him an easy target for quality spinners, especially in conditions that offer turn or bounce [[10]].
This isn’t the first time Gavaskar has voiced concerns about Samson’s game. He has previously highlighted the batter’s inclination to attack from the very first ball, which often leads to dismissals before he can settle in [[14]]. The latest critique, however, cuts deeper because it targets a fundamental aspect of batting that is hard to correct overnight.
The numbers from the ongoing New Zealand T20I series paint a grim picture for the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter. Across four matches, Samson has managed just 40 runs, with scores of 10, 6, 0, and 24 [[4]]. This translates to a meagre average of 10.00, a stark contrast to his otherwise impressive T20I record as an opener, where he boasts three centuries and a strike rate of over 148 [[8]].
His struggles against New Zealand are not a new phenomenon. His overall record against the Kiwis in the shortest format has been underwhelming, further fueling the argument that he may not be the most reliable option in high-pressure tournaments like the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Gavaskar’s focus on Sanju Samson’s footwork isn’t just pedantic nitpicking; it’s a core principle of successful batting, especially in subcontinental conditions where the T20 World Cup will be played. Good footwork allows a batter to:
When a batter like Samson, who possesses immense talent and power, fails to move his feet, he becomes one-dimensional. He’s forced to rely on his hands and wrists alone, which can be easily countered by clever variations from bowlers. This technical vulnerability is what Gavaskar has so astutely identified.
The timing of this criticism couldn’t be more critical. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, every performance in the lead-up series is scrutinized under a microscope. While the official squad is yet to be finalized, the intense competition for places means that a prolonged slump can be fatal to a player’s chances [[18]].
Samson’s primary competitors for the wicketkeeper-batter role, such as Ishan Kishan, are also vying for that spot. In such a scenario, a clear and consistent technical deficiency becomes a major red flag for the selectors. The team management needs players they can trust to execute their plans under pressure, and a recurring flaw against spin is a significant liability in the World Cup context.
All is not lost for Sanju Samson. His undeniable talent and past match-winning performances for [INTERNAL_LINK:India_Cricket] are a testament to his ability. The path forward is clear: he must address the footwork issue head-on. This requires dedicated work in the nets, possibly with a specialized batting coach, to rebuild his muscle memory and develop a more proactive approach against spin.
He has one final opportunity in the remaining matches of the New Zealand series to demonstrate that he can adapt and overcome this weakness. A big score, built on a foundation of sound technique, would go a long way in silencing his critics and reaffirming his value to the national side. As a reference, the International Cricket Council (ICC) provides extensive resources on player development and technical skills that can be invaluable in such situations (ICC Official Website).
Sunil Gavaskar’s brutal takedown has laid bare a critical challenge for Sanju Samson. It’s a moment of truth that transcends a single series. The question now is whether Samson can use this criticism as a catalyst for change. Can he transform his acknowledged weakness into a strength before the T20 World Cup? The answer will not only define his immediate future but could also determine his long-term legacy in Indian cricket. The ball, quite literally, is in his court.
With a blistering 65 off just 23 balls against New Zealand, Shivam Dube has announced…
In a raw and emotional confession, cricket legend Yuvraj Singh has disclosed the real reason…
In a stunning twist, Jason Gillespie—the former Pakistan Test coach who publicly accused the PCB…
Captain Suryakumar Yadav's bold experiment with a six-batter lineup backfired spectacularly in Visakhapatnam, leaving fans…
In a dramatic turn of events, India suffered a crushing 50-run defeat to New Zealand…
In a stunning blow to USA Cricket, star batter and T20 World Cup hero Aaron…