The Sanju Samson vs Ishan Kishan debate refuses to die down as India fine-tunes its combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sanju Samson endured a tough five-match T20I series against New Zealand, struggling for runs at the top of the order and finishing with just 46 runs at an average of under 10. The poor returns have once again put his place under the scanner, especially with Ishan Kishan making a strong comeback after a long absence.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa, however, has come out in Samson’s defence, urging fans and selectors to look beyond short-term numbers. Speaking on the CommBox TV YouTube channel, Uthappa argued that Samson is not out of form in the true sense, but rather stuck in a phase where runs aren’t coming. He drew a parallel with Suryakumar Yadav’s patchy run in 2025, pointing out that even elite players go through lean spells.
“Form is always temporary, whether it’s Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. When you are a cricketer of that calibre, form is not the real issue,” Robin Uthappa said. He added that Samson’s impact is most visible when he plays freely alongside an aggressive partner like Abhishek Sharma, bringing energy and momentum to India’s powerplay.
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Uthappa also highlighted the psychological pressure around Samson’s spot in the playing XI. According to him, the constant competition for places has prevented Samson from batting without fear.
“There’s always been a sword hanging over his head. If he doesn’t perform, someone is waiting to take his spot. There has rarely been a phase where he’s been told to just go out and express himself,” he explained, noting that Samson’s best performances have come when he’s been given that clarity.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026, Uthappa advised team management to show faith in Samson despite his recent struggles, much like teams often back one player through a major tournament. He suggested continuing with Ishan Kishan at No. 3, even if Tilak Varma regains fitness, and selecting the best possible XI based on balance and match-ups.
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Ishan Kishan’s case is strong after his impressive return, capped by a match-winning century in the final T20I against New Zealand. The selection call, as ever, will come down to whether India prioritise current form or long-term match-winners when it matters most.
