IND vs ENG: Why is Sanju Samson keeping instead of Ishan Kishan against England in semi-final 2 of T20 World Cup 2026?
Sanju Samson has been handling the keeping duties since returning to the playing XI against Zimbabwe.
India are up against England in the semi-final 2 of the T20 World Cup 2026. This match is being played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and is a must-win clash for both sides as the winner will head straight into the final.
India entered the field with the same playing 11 that played against the West Indies. Both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan batted in the top order along with Abhishek Sharma. The trio will hold a key for their side as India look to book their berth in the final.
In the semi-final 1, England captain Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bowl first. India posted a gigantic total while batting first. Riding on a half-century from Sanju (89 runs) and impressive knocks from Ishan Kishan (39 runs) and Shivam Dube (43 runs), India set a mammoth target of 254 runs for England.
Why is Sanju Samson keeping for India instead of Ishan Kishan in IND vs ENG?
Sanju Samson is once again donning the gloves behind the stumps ahead of Ishan Kishan. Kishan had been keeping for all the games in the T20 World Cup 2026 till the match against Zimbabwe, where Samson was handed the gloves.
Kishan, in the games he kept, did not seem the most fluent as he made a few fumbles and missed chances, mainly against Pakistan, which angered Hardik Pandya as well.
Samson is a seasoned keeper who also performs a similar role at the IPL. Moreover, Kishan is a much better outfielder than Sanju. Moreover, Sanju scored back-to-back fifties in two crucial matches, first against the West Indies and then against England in the semis.
Who is keeping the wickets for India against England?
Sanju Samson is the wicket-keeper, ahead of Ishan Kishan.
How did Sanju Samson perform in IND vs ENG?
Samson scored 89 runs off 42 balls.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.