India's Top-Order Conundrum Intensifies Ahead of T20 World Cup
The most significant selection dilemma facing the Indian cricket team as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup has crystallized around the opening position. Team management faced the dual challenge of identifying a suitable partner for Abhishek Sharma while simultaneously resolving the wicketkeeper's role, a decision that previously fueled intense squad debates.
Samson's Selection and Shifting Roles
Sanju Samson ultimately secured both positions, narrowly surpassing vice-captain Shubman Gill in a decision that chief selector Ajit Agarkar later clarified was motivated by overall team balance rather than individual performance metrics. This choice signaled a return to earlier strategic thinking that had dominated much of 2024 and early 2025.
During that period, India consistently deployed Samson as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma across multiple bilateral series. However, this established partnership was temporarily abandoned ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup when Gill returned to the T20I setup following his Test commitments. This reshuffle forced Samson into a middle-order role that neither aligned with his natural strengths nor provided him sufficient time to establish rhythm.
Struggles and Reshuffling
Batting in the unfamiliar middle order, Samson visibly struggled to find his timing and clarity at the crease. His diminished impact created an opportunity for Jitesh Sharma, whose aggressive late-order hitting offered the team a different dimension as a backup wicketkeeping option. As World Cup preparations gained momentum, selectors were compelled to reevaluate their options once more, particularly with Gill experiencing a prolonged lean patch and failing to deliver the explosive starts expected during PowerPlay overs.
The selection equation underwent another reversal. Samson was reinstated to the opening slot, while Ishan Kishan earned a recall to the squad following an impressive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, providing reserve wicketkeeping cover and top-order flexibility.
Cracks in the Batting Lineup
On paper, these adjustments appeared to create a coherent structure, offering India both stability at the top and versatility throughout the lineup. However, a significant concern has emerged within what otherwise seems a well-constructed T20 batting order. Despite India racing to an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand, built upon a sequence of commanding batting performances, Samson has contributed minimally to these victories.
His difficulties are both visible and immediate. Across the series thus far, his scores of 10, 6, and 0 present a stark contrast to India's otherwise emphatic results. These statistics make for concerning reading and have intensified scrutiny of his position.
Technical Analysis and Prolonged Slump
Former India women's team coach WV Raman provided a technical assessment of Samson's dismissals, noting on social media platform X: "Samson will be inconsistent as long as he doesn't adjust the speed of his bat on the downswing in relation to the pace of the ball. In simple terms, one can't drive a car at the same speed all the time, everywhere."
The apprehension extends beyond a single week against New Zealand. Samson's lean period stretches back nearly a full year. Since January 2025, he has survived the PowerPlay only once across nine T20I innings as an opener. During this timeframe, he has averaged a mere 11.55. Overall, across 14 appearances, he maintains an average of 17 with a modest strike rate of 126.59, with his sole fifty-plus score coming against Oman.
Kishan's Emergence and Selection Dilemma
Adding complexity to the situation is Ishan Kishan's current form and apparent suitability for the opening role. Kishan has seamlessly adopted Abhishek Sharma's attacking approach. While his opportunities have partly arisen due to Tilak Varma's injury, he has simultaneously reminded team management of his substantial experience as a T20 opener.
In practical terms, Samson's early dismissals have effectively transformed Kishan into a de facto opener during the ongoing series. The anticipated return of Tilak Varma, expected to regain full fitness before the World Cup, will see him immediately reclaim the number three position. This scenario leaves India with an opener experiencing diminished confidence alongside a backup player brimming with runs, rhythm, and positive intent.
Leadership Support and Cautionary Voices
Despite growing external pressure, Samson continues to receive significant backing from influential figures. Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane emphasized the crucial role of team leadership in providing clarity and reassurance.
"That's where I feel the team management's role and the captain's role will be crucial, telling Sanju Samson that 'you're going to play all these matches and also in the T20 World Cup as well, so don't worry about your place,'" Rahane stated during a cricket broadcast discussion.
"Sanju Samson will have this pressure on himself as he's basically trying to match Abhishek Sharma. The only thing for Sanju Samson is sticking to his own game plan and backing himself."
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has echoed similar sentiments, warning against reactive selection decisions. Speaking on his digital platform, Ashwin cautioned that frequent rotation between Samson and Kishan could create instability within the team environment.
"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," Ashwin remarked.
Persisting with Samson Amid Uncertainty
Currently, India appear committed to maintaining Samson in the opening role. In a series where Suryakumar Yadav successfully rediscovered his batting form, there remains optimism that Samson can achieve similar resurgence in the remaining matches. However, should his run drought persist, the Indian selection committee may find themselves confronting another difficult decision, with Sanju Samson once again positioned at the epicenter of this ongoing selection narrative.
