The countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 has begun, and the defending champions have a big decision to make at the top of the order. While Abhishek Sharma has sealed a starting spot with his explosive form, wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are in the race for the second spot.
It was expected that Samson would be the first choice opening batsman for the World Cup, but his poor performance and the return of Kishan has forced the team management to think again. With the tournament starting on February 7, the left-handed batsman is the frontrunner in the playing eleven for the opening slot.
Shubman Gill’s exit opened doors for Ishan Kishan
India’s selection plans changed ahead of the tournament, with Shubman Gill dropped from the squad despite being vice-captain in the previous series. The selectors cited lack of runs and the need for a wicketkeeper at the top of the order as the main reasons behind this decision.
In the 2025 Asia Cup, Gill scored 127 runs in seven innings at an average of 21.17, with his best innings being 47 runs from 28 balls against Pakistan. After this he scored 132 runs in five matches in Australia at a strike rate of 136.08. Gill then scored 2, 0 and 28 in the home series against South Africa.
Gill’s mistake opened the doors for Ishan Kishan. The team wanted a wicketkeeper who could open the batting and Kishan’s aggressive left-handed approach suited that plan. Keeping team balance in mind, he moved ahead in the race for the opening slot.
Ishan Kishan wins Ajit Agarkar’s trust with SMAT 2025 heroics
Ishan Kishan came back into the picture with a strong domestic season. The left-handed batsman performed brilliantly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
Leading Jharkhand, Kishan scored 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and an impressive strike rate of 197.32. He gave Jharkhand the title for the first time by scoring 101 runs in 49 balls in the final against Haryana.
His big match innings helped him earn the trust of selectors, including Ajit Agarkar, and pushed him firmly into the World Cup race as a backup wicketkeeper-batsman and opening batsman.
No Sanju Samson! Ishan Kishan will be Abhishek Sharma’s partner in T20 World Cup 2026
Ishan Kishan is leading over Sanju Samson in the race to open with Abhishek Sharma. Kishan has made an immediate impact after his return. He scored 76 runs in just 32 balls in the second T20I against New Zealand and showed the attacking intent that India wants at the top of the order.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has struggled in the shorter formats. He has not scored a half-century in nine consecutive T20 innings, including one duck and several low scores against New Zealand.
With his form and confidence, Kishan is set to pair with Abhishek Sharma in the World Cup setup. India will begin its World Cup campaign against the United States on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya, the most hated indispensable man: Why India can’t win T20 World Cup 2026 without him
