Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh feels that Sanju Samson needs to score big in order to keep his place in the team's playing XI heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup. He said that if the 30-year-old continues to get dismissed cheaply, then Ishan Kishan is waiting in the wings to take his place in the playing XI. With Tilak Varma likely to return soon, both Samson and Kishan are expected to compete for the opening spot.
Samson's underwhelming performance so far
Samson has had a forgettable series against New Zealand so far. He has recorded scores of 10, 6, 0 in the first three T20Is respectively and has failed to provide India with a strong start. It remains to be seen if he will make the cut into the playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand. On the other hand, Kishan has impressed on his long return to international cricket as he played a match-winning knock of 76 in the second T20I and followed that up with a 28-run cameo in the third T20I.
Though Harbhajan wants Samson to be given another chance, he believes that it won't take long for him to be replaced from the XI if his batting woes continue.
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“Sanju isn’t getting runs. I hope they give him a chance or two more. He must get runs for his confidence, as well as the team’s confidence. But, if runs don’t come, it is only natural that you see Ishan Kishan opening quite soon," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
Samson returned to his favourite opening spot after Shubman Gill was dropped from the team due to dismal performances. However, the batter from Kerala failed to deliver in his first three outings. His form is a big concern for Team India as he has been picked in their squad for the T20 World Cup, but he may end up spending most of the tournament on the bench at this rate.
India take unassailable lead
If he does get the opportunity, then Samson will be hoping to score big in the fourth T20I against New Zealand. The match will take place on January 28 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakapatnam. India have already clinched the five-match series by winning the first three games. They will be looking to maintain their form in the remaining two matches which will be their final form of preparation before the T20 World Cup begins from February 7.