3 major reasons behind Sanju Samson's continuous failures in T20I Cricket

Sanju Samson got out for 22 runs in the clash against Namibia in T20 World Cup 2026.

After an unfair 2025, where he was demoted in batting-order, Sanju Samson was handed his opening slot back at the start of 2026 in T20Is. He and Ishan Kishan were picked as two wicket-keepers in India squad for T20 World Cup 2026. It was expected that Sanju would finally get a long rope, but, as has been the case in his entire career, he lost his form just at the wrong moment.

He failed to make a mark in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January, hitting just 46 runs. With his continuous flop shows, Kishan, who was in the red-hot form, was preferred as the wicket-keeper batter as well as opener over Samson in T20 World Cup.

Samson was benched in India’s opening game against USA, but was inducted into the playing XI in the second clash against Namibia in Abhishek Sharma’s absence. He got a wonderful opportunity to make a comeback; however, he failed to come up with a big show once again.

In IND vs NAM clash, Samson opened the batting with Kishan. He started well with three sixes and a boundary but lost his wicket in the second over itself after scoring 22 runs off eight balls. Amid Samson’s batting woes, below are three reasons behind his continuous failures in T20I Cricket.

3. Struggles against short ball

Samson has struggled against short balls and many international bowlers have attacked him with this weakness. His poor shot selection against short balls has cost his wicket on many occasions. Hence, failing to overcome this weakness has been a big reason behind his batting woes.

2. Role confusion

Samson has been shuffled across different batting positions in the T20I team over the last few years. He has been tried as an opener, in middle-order, as well as lower order.

Moreover, he has been picked as a wicket-keeper and as a pure batter too. This has created confusion in his role for the team, which has made it difficult for him to come up with consistent performances.

1. Mental pressure amid tough competition

Notably, the opening slot has witnessed a lot of competition over the last one year. Shubman Gill was promoted as an opener in T20Is last year but lost his spot in the team due to his dismal performances. At the start of this year, Samson was given an opportunity; however, he too struggled to make a mark in the New Zealand series.

Later, Kishan was named as the opener in T20 World Cup 2026. Hence, the tough competition for the opening slot has caused mental pressure among Indian batters. This might be another reason why Samson has struggled to impress with his form in T20Is.

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