As per sources, Sanju Samson is likely to be dropped from the Indian T20I squad if he does not perform in the 4th T20I in Vizag. Ahead of the New Zealand T20I series, Shubman Gill was dropped from the T20 World
Cup squad, and Samson came back to his role as an opener. However, the first three T20Is against the Kiwis have seen scores of 10, 6, and 0 for Samson. Ishan Kishan playing as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma, has scored 8, 76, and 28. Ishan Kishan can also do the wicket-keeping role which means the pressure is more on Sanju Samson now.
Since last 11 years he has played 55 T20Is and Samson has managed 1048 runs at a strike-rate of 147 plus with three fifties and three hundreds. Two of those centuries came on South African soil in late 2024.
Another concern is he has very ordinary performances against the better sides. His average against teams with quality pace attacks are abysmal (5.2 against New Zealand, 10.2 versus England, 12.5 versus Australia, and 18.5 against West Indies). The lone team which he averages well is South Africa. His strike-rate against Australia is 131, against England it drops to 118, and against New Zealand, it is 113. So these are highly concerning signs for him.
Tilak Varma is set to be fit for the upcoming T20 World Cup, so the next match at Vizag is very crucial for Samson. If Sanju fails in the next game he could be dropped for the 5th T20I and Ishan Kishan could open the batting with Shreyas Iyer getting a go at Number 3. Sanju Samson form has been very bad since 2025.
Sanju Samson in T20i since 2025
Inng : 14, Runs : 238, Avg : 15.86, Strike Rate : 125.69 As an opener Inng : 9, Runs : 104, Avg : 11.55, Strike Rate : 146.55
India won the third T20I against New Zealand chasing down a target of 150 within 10 overs. Sanju Samson was dismissed for a duck and this has mounted the pressure on him. The next T20I could be very crucial for him and he needs to perform as India are leading the series 3-0 with two more matches left in the series.
