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The pressure is exploding around India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson after another shocking defeat in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. India may have won the match against Namibia in Delhi, but another failed performance from Sanju Samson created new tensions within the camp.
Another failure puts Tri-State Samson under tremendous pressure
The Kerala star got the opportunity only because Abhishek Sharma fell ill ahead of India’s second Group A match against Namibia on February 12. It seemed like a golden opportunity for Sanju and even he started on fire, hitting three huge sixes and a four. The crowd in Delhi was excited.
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But the fireworks were short-lived, as Samson scored 22 points on just eight shots. An ill-timed shot and now he failed to turn a good start into a big score again, white heat. After the match against Oman, former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara showed clear disappointment at Samson’s repeated defeats.
Cheteshwar Pujara frustrated with Samson
Pujara pointed out that the Men in Blue have too many strong options waiting in the wings like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Both were young, hungry, and full of energy. This made Samson’s position even more dangerous.
ESPNCricinfo quoted Cheteshwar Pujara as saying: “He gets enough opportunities and in India you don’t get enough opportunities. That’s why I feel he needs to make a difference. When he gets opportunities, he needs to score runs.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal is also a brilliant talent. He is currently not part of the Indian team. Shubman Gill once again dropped out of the T20 squad. Therefore, India has many options. “
Samson’s T20I number
Samson made his T20I debut back in 2015. It’s been over 10 years now. But his numbers still raise questions. In 58 games, he scored 1,100 points and averaged just under 24 points.
The right-handed batsman’s strike rate of nearly 149 is good, but consistency is the main issue in T20I cricket. In the format, he has three centuries and three fifties to his name.
Will India drop Sanju Samson for Pakistan showdown?
All eyes are now on the massive conflict between India and Pakistan in Colombo. If Abhishek Sharma recovers from the stomach problem, Sanju Samson will almost certainly lose his place immediately and even if the explosive opener is not suitable, the team management will have to explore other plans.
Colombo Stadium is expected to help the spinners. Given this, the defending champions are likely to field three spinners against Pakistan. Kuldeep Yadav will be the first choice to qualify and then they also have Washington Sundar for a high-pressure match against their old rivals in Group A.
If India go for extra spin in Colombo, one batsman may have to sit out and considering how many chances he has wasted, it could be Sanju Samson and the defending champions cannot afford to be weak in such a high-pressure and big game when all eyes are on them.
