Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has come out in support of under-fire wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Samson was picked as first-choice wicketkeeper-batter and opener in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad on December 20, 2025, but he lost his place in India’s playing XI for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
matches after failing to deliver with the bat in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand last month.In his place, Ishan Kishan kept the wickets for India in two Group A matches played so far and opened the innings along with Abhishek Sharma in the match against the United States of America.
Samson got a chance to make his T20 World Cup debut for India in Delhi on February 12 against Namibia, but he failed to make the most of the opportunity
and got out after scoring 22 runs from 8 balls.
After Samson’s below-par show with the bat against Namibia, there are calls for Washington Sundar’s inclusion in India’s playing XI as an opener instead of Samson, if Abhishek is not available against Pakistan.
But according to Ganguly, Samson should retain his place in the playing XI for the match against Pakistan if Abhishek is not available.
“India’s combination is strong and well-balanced, so there’s no need for major changes. Everything depends on Abhishek Sharma’s fitness. If Abhishek is fit to play, he may come in for Sanju, while the rest of the team should remain the same,” Ganguly told India Today.
The former Indian skipper backed Samson by saying that the cricketer from Kerala is a good player and deserves consistent opportunities. He feels he has immense potential, and he proved his worth by slamming three centuries for India in 2024.
“Sanju is a very good player and deserves consistent opportunities. No player can perform under constant pressure where two failures mean being dropped. It’s important to give him a longer run to maintain his form. After all, just over a year ago, he scored three centuries in T20Is. He has immense potential, and I hope he is given the time he deserves,” he added.
