Sanju Samson Set for Return? Coach Signals Changes After Abhishek, Tilak Fail vs SA

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has dropped a strong hint that Sanju Samson could return to the playing XI after the team’s repeated top-order failures in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

India slumped to a 76-run defeat against South Africa national cricket team in their opening Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing 188, the Men in Blue were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, exposing familiar batting frailties.

Opening woes continue

India’s struggles at the top have been a recurring theme this tournament. Abhishek Sharma has registered three ducks in four innings, while Tilak Varma has also failed to deliver substantial starts.

A worrying trend has been India losing a wicket in the very first over in each of their last three matches, particularly against part-time off-spin. Addressing the issue after the South Africa loss, Ten Doeschate admitted the early setbacks are putting the middle order under immense pressure.

“Four teams have opened with part-time off-spin and it’s brought a wicket every time. Starting every innings nought for one obviously puts pressure on the players,” he said at the post-match press conference.

Samson back in contention?

Ten Doeschate revealed that the team management will debate whether to persist with the current combination or make a tactical shift by bringing Samson back. The Rajasthan Royals captain featured earlier against Namibia, scoring a brisk 22 off 8 balls.

The assistant coach acknowledged the dilemma — stick with an inexperienced but trusted group that has performed over the last 18 months, or “twist” and introduce Samson, whose presence as a right-hander at the top could offer tactical balance.

Samson’s recent numbers

However, Samson’s own form since 2025 raises questions. In 12 innings as an opener, he has scored 156 runs at an average of 13, with a highest score of 37. Notably, he has survived the powerplay only twice in those outings.

With India now needing a crucial win against the Zimbabwe national cricket team on February 26 in Chennai, the team management faces a tough call. Whether they back the struggling openers or turn to Samson could define India’s semifinal hopes.