Sanju Samson has been at the centre of various discussions, especially ahead of the T20 World Cup squad selection. The Indian player is certain to be in the team, but his lack of game time has been highlighted by many.
Despite being a prolific scorer at the top of the order, Samson has found himself out of the side due to the arrival of Shubman Gill. Although Gill has been struggling with the bat in T20, the Indian team management has continued with the Punjab-born ahead of the Kerala player.
Amid this, Samson got his first opportunity in a while for India on Friday, as he replaced the injured Gill in the final T20I match against South Africa. This is the first time Sanju has played after his move to Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
Sanju Samson
made a high-profile move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2026 in a blockbuster trade with Rajasthan Royals (RR) announced on November 15, 2025. The deal saw Samson, retained by RR at INR 18 crore, swap places with Ravindra Jadeja (also INR 18 crore, revised to INR 14 crore for RR), while CSK also sent Sam Curran (INR 2.4 crore) to RR, marking one of IPL's biggest exchanges.
How has Sanju Samson performed in his 1st India match since CSK move?
Sanju Samson delivered a brisk 37-run knock off 22 balls at a strike rate of 168.18 against George Linde in the India vs South Africa 5th T20I on December 19, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This aggressive cameo, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes, marked his only appearance in the series, stepping in amid Shubman Gill's injury absence.
The innings highlighted Samson's top-order potential, especially as an opener, boosting his case ahead of the T20 World Cup with powerful strokes that pressured the Proteas bowlers on a familiar IPL venue pitch.
