Sanju Samson‘s lean run with the bat in the ongoing India vs New Zealand T20I series has once again brought his place under the scanner. With Ishan Kishan lighting up the contest from the middle order, the debate around India’s opening combination ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 has gathered pace.
Sanju Samson under pressure as Ishan Kishan makes a statement
The pressure is slowly but surely mounting on Samson to hold on to his opening slot. In the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, Samson has endured back-to-back low scores, failing to provide India with strong starts despite being backed at the top of the order. Given the short turnaround to the T20 World Cup 2026, every outing is now being viewed through the lens of long-term selection.
On the other hand, Kishan has returned to the international scene with a bang. Batting at number three in the second T20I, the left-hander smashed a breathtaking 76 off just 32 balls, powering India to a daunting 209-run chase inside 16 overs. His fearless stroke play and natural aggression have led many to wonder whether he could be a more suitable opening partner to Abhishek Sharma going forward.
With Tilak Varma expected to return from injury later in the series, India suddenly find themselves spoiled for choice. Competition for spots has intensified, and Samson’s struggles have inevitably fueled speculation about a possible reshuffle at the top.
Ravichandran Ashwin on the possibility of Kishan replacing Samson as opener
Amid the noise, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has come out strongly in defence of Samson. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dismissed the idea of making quick changes based on a couple of games, warning against reactionary selection calls.
Ashwin stressed that chopping and changing players depending on short-term form can harm team culture and confidence. He pointed out that Samson had only recently been reinstated as an opener and deserved a longer run to express himself. According to Ashwin, penalising a batter for getting out while playing an attacking shot sends the wrong message, especially in T20 cricket where intent is paramount.
“It’s way too early to think of dropping him. If India keeps doing such circus acts by playing Sanju when he did well before, and now Kishan because he’s playing well now, I don’t have to tell how it’ll end for India. It’s not ideal inside the dressing room. There is a lot of competition for places, but it’s too early for this change,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
The veteran spinner also highlighted that Samson’s dismissal in the second T20I was not a result of panic or poor decision-making. Instead, it was an instinctive attacking option that simply didn’t come off — something that is part and parcel of modern T20 batting.
“It’ll be very unfair. This opening combination has been reverted only for the last two games. A player has got out playing an attacking shot. If you penalize him for that and bench him, how will you witness the best of that player? It wasn’t that there was a rush of blood or that he wasn’t calm. He just saw the ball and went for it ( 2nd T20I dismissal). That’s how you should instinctively bat, but it just didn’t go his way,” he added.
Big expectations as India plan for title defence
As India look ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026, the team management faces a delicate balancing act. Both Samson and Kishan are match-winners in their own right, capable of changing games within a few overs. While Kishan’s explosive return has strengthened his case, Samson’s ability to anchor and accelerate remains highly valued. With a packed schedule and intense competition for places, consistency and clarity will be key.
Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin breaks down why T20 World Cup 2026 may fail to excite fans
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