Team India Breaks Silence on Sanju Samson’s Poor Form Ahead of T20 World Cup

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, concerns have grown over the form of India’s experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, whose struggles with the bat have continued in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand. However, the Indian team management has finally come out in support of the right-hander, backing him to regain form at the right time.

Sanju Samson has managed just 16 runs in three innings so far in the series, including a disappointing duck in the third T20I in Guwahati. His lack of runs has raised questions about his place in the squad, especially with Ishan Kishan delivering consistent performances and emerging as a strong contender for a World Cup berth.

Morkel Backs Samson

Ahead of the fourth T20I between India and New Zealand, scheduled to be played on January 28 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the media and threw his weight behind Samson.

“Sanju is just one good innings away from getting back into form. We all know that form is temporary,” Morkel said during the pre-match press conference.
“For us, while preparing for the World Cup, it’s important that players peak at the right time. Sanju is training well, he’s hitting the ball cleanly, and we are confident in his abilities.”

Morkel’s comments indicate that the team management is keen to maintain stability and patience rather than making hasty decisions ahead of the global tournament.

Rising Competition from Ishan Kishan

The pressure on Samson has increased following the return of Ishan Kishan, who has impressed with his aggressive starts at the top of the order. If Samson fails to deliver in the remaining matches, selectors may be forced to reconsider their options for the World Cup squad.

Sanju Samson’s Career at a Glance

The 31-year-old made his T20I debut in 2015 and ODI debut in 2021 for India. So far, he has played 55 T20Is, scoring 1,048 runs including three centuries and three half-centuries. In 16 ODIs, Samson has amassed 510 runs, featuring one century and three fifties.

In the Indian Premier League, Samson has been a consistent performer since his debut in 2013. He has scored 4,704 runs in 177 IPL matches, including three centuries and 26 half-centuries, establishing himself as a reliable middle-order batter.

With crucial matches ahead, all eyes will be on Sanju Samson as he looks to silence critics and rediscover his best form before the World Cup.