When will Sanju Samson finally deliver with the bat? This question is echoing loudly among Indian cricket fans as the T20 World Cup approaches. Samson’s disappointing performance in the recent T20 series against New Zealand has put his place in the Indian playing XI under serious threat.
In five matches against New Zealand, Sanju failed to score even a single half-century, managing just 46 runs at an average of 9.2. In contrast, Ishan Kishan, who recently returned to the side, made a strong statement—scoring 215 runs in four matches, including a century and a half-century, at an average of 53.75. As a result, Ishan has surged ahead in the selection race.
Despite this setback, Sanju Samson’s game isn’t over yet. One final opportunity still stands between him and a spot in the World Cup XI.
Warm-Up Match Against South Africa: Do-or-Die for Sanju
Team India will face South Africa in a warm-up match in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, and this match could decide Sanju Samson’s fate. Though officially a practice game, the excitement is massive—all 35,000 tickets have been sold, indicating a packed stadium and intense spotlight.
Sanju is expected to get a chance in this match. If he delivers a match-winning or explosive innings against a strong South African bowling attack, the selectors may be forced to reconsider their options.
Poor Form vs Strong Competition
Sanju’s struggles against New Zealand have weakened his case, especially with Ishan Kishan firmly establishing himself as a top contender. For Samson, the warm-up match is nothing less than a final exam.
India’s initial World Cup matches will be against USA and Namibia, teams against whom run-scoring could be relatively easier. But to get that opportunity, Sanju must first prove himself against South Africa.
Now or Never
The equation is simple: perform or perish. If Sanju Samson fails again, his chances of featuring in India’s playing XI could all but vanish. But if his bat finally speaks at the right time, the story could still turn in his favor.
All eyes will be on Sanju—will he rise when it matters most, or will this be the end of his World Cup dream?
