Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind Sanju Samson, urging the team management to show patience and avoid frequent changes despite the wicketkeeper-batter’s recent struggles.
Samson has found it tough since returning to the top of the order in December 2025. In India’s second match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Namibia, he made a quickfire 22 off eight balls before being caught at deep mid-wicket — another start that failed to convert into a substantial score.
“Give Him A Proper Run”
Ganguly believes India’s overall combination remains strong and does not require major alterations ahead of the high-stakes clash against the Pakistan national cricket team. He indicated that Samson should only make way if Abhishek Sharma, who is currently recovering from a stomach infection, is declared fully fit.
“India’s combination is balanced. There is no need for too many changes. It depends on Abhishek’s fitness. If he is fit, he can come in for Sanju. Otherwise, the team should remain the same,” Ganguly said.
The former skipper also pointed to Samson’s success in 2024, when he scored three T20I centuries as an opener, highlighting that the right-hander has already shown he can thrive with backing and clarity of role.
“No player can perform if he feels that two failures will push him out of the side. He deserves a longer rope. He has the ability and has shown it before,” Ganguly added.
Numbers Tell The Story
Samson’s recent returns, however, underline the challenge. Since the start of 2025, he has scored 156 runs in 12 T20I innings as an opener at an average of 13, with a highest score of 37. He has managed to get through the powerplay only twice in that period — a statistic that reflects his inconsistency at the top.
With Abhishek’s availability still uncertain, Samson appears likely to get another opportunity in the marquee India–Pakistan encounter. Whether he can convert that backing into a defining performance could shape both his tournament and his longer-term prospects in the side.
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