Sunil Gavaskar reflects on Sanju Samson vs Ishan Kishan T20 World Cup selection debate: India performed brilliantly in the last match of the five-match T20 series against New Zealand. Despite winning the first two-match series against the Kiwis, the Men in Blue put up an explosive performance at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday night. In the fifth and final T20I, after electing to bat first, Suryakumar Yadav’s team posted a mammoth score of 271/5.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has predicted how India can prepare for the upcoming major ICC event. Speaking with Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar explained how India can build its XI and also the players who could be out of the playing XI.
Sunil Gavaskar feels that Sanju Samson could be the player to be dropped from the playing eleven.
Sunil Gavaskar said, “I think the selection committee was quite candid in giving all the chances to Sanju Samson. But now, with Ishan Kishan’s innings here and the possibility of Tilak Verma’s return, the batting order looks certain. Unless Tilak Verma is fit, I don’t see him (Samson) being a part of the eleven on February 7.”
“It’s really difficult to get him out. And who is it to get him out? Tilak Verma is a proven performer at this level. Sanju Samson is also a proven performer, but he is not in form. It has nothing to do with his ability. In a tournament like the World Cup, you can’t take risks. That’s why I think after giving him five matches – I think his highest score is 24 – and he has got out strangely, definitely a lack of confidence in him.” Unless Tilak Verma is fit, I don’t see him (Samson) being a part of the XI on February 7 (vs USA).
Ishaan Kishan’s show in Thiruvananthapuram
Ishan Kishan, who has continued his amazing domestic performances in international cricket. Since his return to the T20 team, he has been scoring runs at a fast pace and he played an amazing inning of 103 runs in 43 balls. His innings, along with Surya’s half-century and some short cameos from Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma, helped India cross the 250+ mark.
Kishan finished the series with 215 runs since his return, including one hundred and fifty, second only to Suryakumar Yadav. The impact he has made is amazing, and with the return of Tilak Verma, it will be great to see India’s top three.
Sanju Samson’s off form
Sanju Samson can be one of the most unlucky players. During his hot form, he was dropped from the team while Shubman Gill was fit and then he batted in an unusual position during the Asia Cup 2025.
After regaining his starting position he failed to impress in the series, scoring only 46 runs in five innings at an average of less than 10. He failed to regain his 2024 form and may lose his place once again. India will host the United States in its first group game.
Also read: “A little pressure because of Ishan Kishan” – Shocking claim of Sanju Samson’s childhood coach before T20 World Cup