India wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is under scrutiny due to his poor form ahead of the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7. However, Samson’s childhood coach Biju George said that Ishan Kishan’s return is an inspiration to raise his game rather than a threat.
Sanju Samson has struggled to find form in T20Is over the past year after a strong 2024 season. The 31-year-old has scored 262 runs in his last 19 T20Is at an average of 17.46 and a strike rate of 129.06, including only one half-century. In the current series against New Zealand, Samson has scored only 40 runs in four matches.
A little pressure due to Ishan Kishan – Sanju Samson’s childhood coach
Speaking to PTI, Biju George said that Sanju Samson should be inspired by Ishan Kishan’s good form. George said pressure is inevitable for players at the top, but staying there depends on consistent performances.
“There might be a bit of pressure if Ishaan does well, but not in the form of a threat, but as a reference. If he can do well then why can’t I? That’s probably the only question in Sanju’s mind,” George said.
He said, “The person at the top is always under pressure and the rising contenders will constantly put pressure on. But once you get there, it is what you do to stay there that really matters.”
He should make a comeback through the World Cup – Sanju Samson’s childhood coach
Biju George said that Samson will make a comeback and added that he has the potential to perform well in a big tournament like the World Cup. George also said that players like Samson and Abhishek Sharma may not score in every game but can win matches on their day.
“My deep feeling and belief is that he should bounce back through the World Cup and he will definitely do well,” he said.
George commented, “Form is temporary, class is permanent.” “Players like Sanju and Abhishek Sharma should be given some leeway because they are impact players. They will not score more than 100 runs in every match, but when they do, they can win games against any team in the world.”
He hasn’t performed consistently – Sanju Samson’s childhood coach
George admitted that inconsistency has been an issue for Kerala batsmen at the international level. He told that Samson was rarely given a chance in the Indian team for a long time. The coach said that Samson may not have fully shown his true potential.
“If you look at his history as an Indian player, he has never performed more than five matches in a row, which is what he is getting now and the credit goes to the management,” George said.
He added, “Maybe he hasn’t done full justice to his talent yet, but I don’t think he’s struggling with self-doubt. He’s trying to find his right rhythm and that will come.”
