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Sanju Samson's scorching form in the IPL 2026 might lure BCCI selectors to consider him for the India's ODI set-up. Samson is once again commanding the spotlight, building on a stellar year in white-ball cricket. Following a triumphant campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026, the star wicketkeeper-batter has seamlessly transitioned that momentum into the IPL 2026 season. Samson's performances have been characterised by a bold, self-assured presence at the crease, where attacking shots seem to flow effortlessly. Both fans and experts have noted his newfound consistency and his sophisticated ability to dictate the tempo of an innings, with many suggesting that Samson is currently playing the best cricket of his career.
Rishabh Pant could lose ODI spot to in-form Sanju Samson
In stark contrast, Rishabh Pant is weathering a difficult period as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants. Both Pant and his squad have struggled to find any semblance of consistency throughout the ongoing tournament, leading to a dip in his individual form. This divergence in fortunes has sparked intense debate among the cricketing community, especially as the focus shifts toward player form and reliability ahead of major international fixtures.
According to a report from Dainik Jagran, this shift in momentum has caught the attention of the BCCI. The board is reportedly considering Samson over Pant for the second wicketkeeper spot in the ODI squad, even with Dhruv Jurel also in the mix. While KL Rahul remains the primary choice for the role, the upcoming home ODI series against Afghanistan, set to begin on June 14, will likely serve as a crucial testing ground for these selection decisions.
Rishabh Pant vs Sanju Samson
Pant was originally slated for India’s series against New Zealand, but an untimely injury sidelined him, opening the door for others to stake their claim. As head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar begin the meticulous process of assembling a core squad for the 2027 ICC World Cup, current form has become the primary metric for selection.
The statistical divide between Pant and Sanju Samson during IPL 2026 has made the selectors' jobs even more complex. In eight matches, Pant has struggled to gain significant traction, accumulating 189 runs at an average of 27 and a modest strike rate of 126.85. While he managed a top score of 68*, he has lacked the explosive consistency usually associated with his game.
In contrast, Samson has been in scintillating form, sparking a fresh debate over the wicketkeeper-batsman slot. Across eight appearances for Chennai, he has amassed 304 runs at a towering average of 50.67 and a strike rate of 169.83. His campaign has already been highlighted by two centuries, characterized by clean, aggressive hitting that has left fans and critics alike calling for his regular inclusion in the national side.
Samson’s case is bolstered by his existing ODI pedigree. In 16 matches, he has maintained a robust average of 56.67, totaling 510 runs including a century and three fifties. His ability to perform in challenging conditions was notably evident in South Africa, where he hammered 120 runs in just two innings. While Pant brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of handling pressure, boasting 871 runs in 31 ODIs at an average of 33.50, his recent lack of rhythm has made "current form" the unavoidable talking point. As the road to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa narrows, the selection committee must balance legacy with current impact. With upcoming home and away series against the West Indies, Sri Lanka, England, and New Zealand, every innings will be viewed through a microscope. For Pant and Samson, the stakes have never been higher, as these performances will likely determine who secures a permanent seat on the plane to South Africa.
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