The pressure is mounting on Sanju Samson. In the high-stakes arena of international cricket, where form is fleeting and competition is fierce, a single misstep can ignite a firestorm of doubt. For the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter, that misstep came in the form of a devastating golden duck against New Zealand in Guwahati on January 25, 2026—the third T20I of the series [[2]].
This dismissal wasn’t just another failure; it was the latest in a string of low scores that has thrown his entire role in the Indian T20I setup into question. And now, a powerful voice from the commentary box has amplified those concerns. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has issued a stark warning: the writing might be on the wall for Samson.
Table of Contents
- The Golden Duck and the Falling Dominoes
- Ishan Kishan’s Explosive Case for Selection
- Aakash Chopra’s Blunt Assessment
- The T20 World Cup 2026 Factor
- Conclusion: What’s Next for Sanju Samson?
- Sources
The Golden Duck and the Falling Dominoes
Samson walked out to bat with India in a commanding position in the series, having already secured a 2-0 lead. But his stay at the crease was painfully brief. He was dismissed for a golden duck, adding to a recent run of poor returns that includes a score of just 6 in the first T20I of the series [[1]]. This pattern of early exits is a major red flag for a player expected to be a top-order mainstay.
While his ODI performances against the same opposition showed promise with two half-centuries, his T20I form has been a cause for concern. In a format that demands instant impact, consistency is non-negotiable. His current slump couldn’t have come at a worse time, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 looming large on the horizon [[4]].
Ishan Kishan’s Explosive Case for Selection
While Samson struggles, his rival for the gloves, Ishan Kishan, has been setting the stage on fire. In the second T20I in Raipur, Kishan delivered a masterclass in explosive batting, smashing a blistering 76 off just 32 balls. This included a record-breaking 21-ball fifty, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand in the T20I format [[9], [10]].
Kishan’s performance wasn’t a one-off. He has consistently shown the ability to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs—a skill that is paramount in the modern T20 game. His fearless approach and proven match-winning ability stand in stark contrast to Samson’s current fragility at the crease. The stats paint a clear picture: when given the chance, Kishan has delivered with authority.
The Tilak Varma Wildcard
It’s worth noting that the original plan for the middle order may have looked different. Young star Tilak Varma was ruled out of the entire New Zealand series due to a serious injury that required emergency surgery [[27], [35]]. His absence forced the selectors to look elsewhere, inadvertently creating this direct head-to-head scenario between Samson and Kishan for the wicketkeeping role. With Varma’s return to full fitness still a question mark for the World Cup, the battle for the No. 1 spot has become even more critical.
Aakash Chopra’s Blunt Assessment
Former India cricketer and respected analyst Aakash Chopra has never been one to mince words, and his latest comments on the wicketkeeper debate are no exception. Directly addressing Samson’s golden duck, Chopra stated, “Sanju Samson got out off the first ball. He got out in the last two matches as well, and Ishan Kishan is playing well,” [[24]].
Chopra’s analysis goes beyond the numbers. He suggests that the team management’s patience with Samson may be wearing thin. “The call that India must take” is a clear signal that, in his expert opinion, sticking with a player in poor form could be a strategic error, especially when a dynamic alternative like Kishan is available and in peak form [[19], [22]]. His commentary has shifted the narrative from mere speculation to a serious selection dilemma for the Indian think-tank.
The T20 World Cup 2026 Factor
All of this drama is unfolding against the backdrop of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The BCCI and the national selectors are under immense pressure to finalize a squad that can go all the way. The wicketkeeper-batter is a pivotal role in any T20 side, often responsible for providing the launchpad in the powerplay or finishing the innings with a flourish.
The choice is no longer just about who is the better keeper, but who offers the most reliable and explosive batting option. Kishan’s recent performances have given him a massive edge in this regard. For Samson, the next few games are not just about scoring runs; they are about saving his World Cup dream. The margin for error has vanished.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Sanju Samson?
The spotlight on Sanju Samson has never been brighter—or more unforgiving. Aakash Chopra’s public questioning of his place, coupled with Ishan Kishan’s scintillating form, has created a perfect storm. Samson is at a crossroads. He needs to silence his critics with a big, match-defining innings in the remaining games of the series. Anything less, and the selectors may have no choice but to make the tough call before the T20 World Cup 2026. The race for the gloves is officially on, and right now, Kishan is leading by a country mile. For more on India’s selection challenges, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-world-cup-2026-squad-predictions]. You can also check the official player rankings on the ICC website.
Sources
- [[2]] Cricbuzz – Sanju Samson Career Matches
- [[4]] Cricket Country – Will Sanju Samson get a chance at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- [[9]] Olympics.com – IND vs NZ 2nd T20 2026: India ride on Ishan Kishan
- [[10]] ESPNcricinfo – India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Match Report
- [[19]] Sportskeeda – Aakash Chopra on Sanju Samson’s future after IND vs NZ 2026
- [[22]] Rediff – Will Ishan Kishan push Sanju Samson out of the reckoning?
- [[24]] Times of India – ‘Call that India must take’: Ex-cricketer questions Samson’s place
- [[27]] ESPNcricinfo – Tilak Varma ruled out of first three T20Is against New Zealand
- [[35]] Cricket Addictor – Tilak Varma officially ruled out of entire New Zealand series