Gavaskar Drops Bombshell: Sanju Samson ‘Unlikely’ to Make T20 World Cup XI After Home-Ground Flop

'I don't see Sanju Samson being part of the XI': Gavaskar drops big hint

In a verdict that could reshape India’s T20 World Cup plans, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has delivered a blunt assessment of Sanju Samson’s international future: “I don’t see Sanju Samson being part of the XI.” The comment comes on the heels of Samson’s latest failure—this time on his home turf in Thiruvananthapuram—during the fifth T20I against New Zealand, where he managed just 12 runs before falling to a loose shot.

While Samson struggled, Ishan Kishan lit up the same pitch with a scintillating 107 off just 55 balls, cementing his case as India’s premier T20 wicketkeeper-batter. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 just months away, Gavaskar’s remarks have ignited a fierce debate: Is Samson’s inconsistent international record finally catching up with him? And does Kishan’s explosive form make him the undisputed first choice?

Table of Contents

Samson’s Home-Ground Failure: A Last Straw?

For Sanju Samson, the fifth T20I in Thiruvananthapuram wasn’t just another match—it was a golden opportunity to silence critics on familiar soil. As captain of Kerala in domestic cricket and a local hero, expectations were sky-high. Yet, facing a depleted New Zealand attack, Samson played a reckless pull shot early in his innings and was caught at deep mid-wicket for 12.

This dismissal extended a troubling pattern: in his last 8 T20Is, Samson has crossed 30 just once. His strike rate has dipped below 125, and his decision-making under pressure remains questionable—a critical flaw in high-stakes T20 cricket [[1]].

Kishan’s Century and What It Signals

In stark contrast, Ishan Kishan’s 107* (55 balls) was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He punished spin and pace alike, hit 9 sixes, and anchored India’s chase with maturity. More importantly, it was his second T20I century—the joint-most by any Indian batter, alongside Suryakumar Yadav [[2]].

Kishan’s knock wasn’t just about runs; it showcased adaptability, intent, and composure—qualities essential for a World Cup opener. With this performance, he has now scored 428 runs in his last 10 T20Is at an average of 47.55 and a strike rate of 148—numbers that dwarf Samson’s recent output.

Sanju Samson T20 World Cup: The Form Crisis

Despite being named in India’s T20I squads consistently since 2021, Samson’s returns have been erratic:

  • 2024–2026 T20I average: 22.3
  • Strike rate in chases: 118 (well below team average of 142)
  • Dismissals under 20: 7 out of last 12 innings

While Samson boasts a stellar IPL record (over 4,000 runs), selectors have long questioned his ability to replicate that form in national colors—especially when the game demands calculated risk, not just flair [[3]].

Gavaskar’s Analysis: Why He Doubts Samson’s Place

Speaking on a post-match show, Gavaskar didn’t mince words: “You can’t keep giving chances based on potential. When you have someone like Kishan scoring a hundred on the same pitch, it becomes very hard to justify Samson’s inclusion in the playing XI.”

Gavaskar emphasized that the T20 World Cup isn’t the place for experimentation. “In a tournament where every game is knockout-style, you need batters who deliver under pressure—not those who look good in patches,” he added [[1]].

The Wicketkeeper Dilemma: India’s Three Options

India currently has three elite wicketkeeper-batters in contention:

  1. Ishan Kishan: Explosive opener, proven big-match temperament, solid glovework.
  2. Sanju Samson: Elegant stroke-maker, excellent against spin, but inconsistent in crunch moments.
  3. Rishabh Pant: Returning from injury, unmatched X-factor, but fitness and match readiness remain concerns.

With Pant likely to be eased back into the setup, the real battle is between Kishan and Samson—and recent form heavily favors the former.

T20 World Cup XI Projection: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Based on current momentum, a likely Indian XI for the T20 World Cup opener could be:

  • Rohit Sharma (c)
  • Ishan Kishan (wk)
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • Suryakumar Yadav
  • Shreyas Iyer
  • Hardik Pandya
  • Ravindra Jadeja
  • Washington Sundar / Axar Patel
  • Jasprit Bumrah
  • Arshdeep Singh
  • Mohammed Siraj

Noticeably absent? Sanju Samson. Unless he delivers a miracle performance in the upcoming series, his role may be limited to bench strength.

Fan Reaction and Social Media Fury

Samson’s loyal fanbase has erupted online, arguing that his technique and elegance are unmatched. “One bad game doesn’t erase talent,” tweeted one supporter. Others countered: “World Cups aren’t won on elegance—they’re won on results.”

Meanwhile, Kishan’s supporters point to his consistency across formats and his ability to take the game away from the opposition in the first six overs—a skill India sorely missed in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal.

Conclusion: Can Samson Still Turn It Around?

The Sanju Samson T20 World Cup dream isn’t dead—but it’s on life support. With only a few bilateral series left before the tournament, Samson needs a string of dominant performances, not just flashes of brilliance. Gavaskar’s warning is clear: potential alone won’t cut it on the global stage. In a team brimming with match-winners, Samson must prove he belongs—not as a luxury pick, but as a necessity.

Sources

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