Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind Sanju Samson, urging the team management to give the wicketkeeper-batter a consistent run despite a string of low scores in T20Is. Samson has faced mounting pressure since returning to the opening slot in December 2025, struggling to convert his potential into significant runs.
The spotlight on Samson intensified during India’s second T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against Namibia. Standing in for the unwell Abhishek Sharma, Samson made a characteristically aggressive but brief appearance, smashing 22 runs off just eight deliveries—including three sixes—before holing out to deep mid-wicket. While the cameo showcased his explosive power, it did little to quiet critics calling for more stability at the top.
There’s no need for major changes: Sourav Ganguly
Despite this lean patch, Ganguly advised against making reactive changes to the lineup ahead of the high-stakes clash with Pakistan this Sunday. Speaking to India Today, he emphasized that Samson deserves a longer rope and should only be replaced if Abhishek Sharma is fully recovered from the stomach infection that saw him hospitalized in New Delhi earlier this week. Ganguly maintained that unless fitness dictates a change, the team should stick with its current balance to maintain stability in the tournament.
"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.
Ganguly pointed to Sanju Samson's prolific 2024 campaign as a primary reason for patience, recalling the remarkable stretch where the batter notched three international centuries as an opener. By highlighting this peak performance, Ganguly illustrated that Samson has already proven he can dominate at the highest level when given a specific role and the confidence of the team.
It’s important to give him a longer run: Ganguly on Samson
The former captain stressed that a player of Samson's unique caliber possesses the rare game-changing potential that justifies an extended run in the starting XI. Ganguly’s argument centers on the belief that once Samson finds his rhythm, his ability to provide explosive starts will far outweigh the risks of his current inconsistent form.
"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," Ganguly further stated.
Samson’s recent statistics as a T20I opener have raised significant concerns regarding his consistency at the top of the order. Since the beginning of 2025, his output has been notably low, with the wicketkeeper-batter managing only 156 runs across 12 innings at a modest average of 13. His highest score during this period is just 37, a stark contrast to the explosive form that saw him score three international centuries in 2024. A particularly alarming aspect of his current slump is his inability to navigate the opening overs. Samson has successfully survived the powerplay in only two of his last 12 outings as an opener, frequently leaving the middle order exposed early in the innings. This struggle to build a foundation has put his spot under intense scrutiny, especially given the high-risk, high-reward nature of his batting style.
Despite these struggles, the upcoming high-stakes clash against Pakistan in Colombo may offer Samson another chance at redemption. With primary opener Abhishek Sharma still recovering from a stomach infection that required hospitalization, Samson is likely to retain his place in the starting XI.