In a tremendous leadership change, Kerala and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has emerged as one of the top candidates to become the T20I captain of the India national cricket team.
According to a latest report in Dainik Jagran, Sanju Samson has impressed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee, which is led by Ajit Agarkar, with his performance in the T20I format.
Sanju Samson sure to become India’s T-20 captain
Samson recently won the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Cup 2026 after missing the initial matches due to a patchy patch and played a key role in India’s victory.
He was not India’s first choice for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the team management preferred Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as opening batsmen. However, after a tactical change made by Gautam Gambhir and Co., Sanju Samson was included back into the playing eleven.
Samson took full advantage of the opportunities he got and scored 97* runs in the match against the West Indies national cricket team and then played brilliant innings of 89 runs in the final against the England national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team.
According to the report, Sanju Samson may take over the T20I captaincy of India in the next series against Ireland and England after the Indian Premier League 2026.
If that doesn’t happen, current captain Suryakumar Yadav could be given one last chance to lead India and his form will be closely monitored, with Sanju Samson made his deputy.
Why did Ajit Agarkar leave Shreyas Iyer?
Earlier, reports suggested that Shreyas Iyer is the frontrunner to replace Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, but there is one big thing that completely goes against him – not being a part of the T20 International team for a long time.
The BCCI selection committee does not like the fact that Iyer has not been a part of the T20I setup for a long time and on the other hand, they have Sanju Samson, who has been performing well in this format.
First of all, Ajit Agarkar and company want Iyer to get a place in the T20I team, only then they will think of handing him the captaincy of the Indian T20I team.
Many more to follow…
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah out! Mohammed Shami likely to return to India after IPL 2026