Kris Srikkanth has questioned the Indian men’s cricket management’s contrasting treatment of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, asking why the former was dropped after just three failed T20Is in the UK despite being named Player of the Tournament at the 2026 T20 World Cup, while the latter continues to receive an extended run despite inconsistent performances.
Srikkanth’s comments came after Abhishek endured another difficult outing in India’s second T20I against Zimbabwe. The opener was dismissed for eight off eight balls, following a 1 off 8 in the series opener, even as India secured a 2-0 lead with one match remaining. This was the fifth consecutive match he had failed to cross 20, though the left-hander did make a half-century and two 40s
against Ireland and England.
“From the World Cup, his (Abhishek’s) international track record has not been very good except for a few knocks. Samson was the MVP of the World Cup. Why does he not get the chance, and Abhishek gets chances like this? It is a very valid question. Abhishek is getting a long rope; then why not Samson? Why is this happening with one player and not with the other?” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Abhishek scored 141 runs in eight matches at an average of 17.62 during the 2026 T20 World Cup, from which 52 came in the final.
‘I am concerned’
Srikkanth also expressed concern over Abhishek’s current form and urged the left-hander to find a way to spend more time at the crease instead of attempting to attack from the outset.
“I am concerned for Abhishek Sharma. I don’t know what is happening with him all of a sudden. I hope he comes good. He has to find another way of scoring runs. Or the other way out is to probably cool down for a few balls. He is one guy who can always make up. You play at 100 strike rate for a while and then take it to 200 rather than throwing it away,” he said.
