IND vs WI: Why is Sanju Samson keeping instead of Ishan Kishan against West Indies in T20 World Cup 2026?
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Sanju Samson was again preferred as a keeper ahead of Ishan Kishan for IND vs WI T20 World Cup 2026 clash.
Indian Cricket Team are up against the West Indies Cricket in their last Super 8 fixture of T20 World Cup 2026. The match, which is being played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, is a must-win clash for both sides as winner will head straight into the semi-final.
India went in with the same XI as that was there for the Zimbabwe clash. Both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan will bat 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 semi-final.
Thankfully, luck favoured India as they won the toss against West Indies and opted to field first, keeping in the mind the dew factor as well as history of chasing in Kolkata. Teams batting second have found it easy in Kolkata with the ball coming nicely on to the bat and hence teams batting first must post a big total to have a good chance.
Why is Sanju Samson keeping for India instead of Ishan Kishan in IND vs WI?
Sanju Samson is once again donning the gloves behind the stumps ahead of Ishan Kishan. Kishan had been keeping for all the games in T20 World Cup 2026 till the last 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. Kishan moreover, is a much better out fielder as compared to the Keralite.
In his comeback match against Zimbabwe, Samson scored a quick-fire 24 off 15, to help his team get off to a flying start. Kishan at his new position, continued his good form scoring 38 off 24 balls.
Who is keeping the wickets for India against West Indies ?
Sanju Samson is the wicket-keeper, ahead of Ishan Kishan.
How did Sanju Samson perform in IND vs ZIM?
Samson scored 24 runs off 15 balls.
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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.