Bad news for Rishabh Pant! Sanju Samson set to replace him in Indian ODI team - Reports

Sanju Samson has been in a red-hot form in IPL 2026.

Sanju Samson is once again in the spotlight. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in stunning touch in white-ball cricket this year. After a strong ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, he has carried that form into Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. His performances have caught the attention of fans and experts across the country.

Samson has looked confident and fearless at the crease. He has played attacking shots with ease. His ability to control the game’s tempo has stood out. Many believe he is batting at his peak right now. His consistency has made him one of the most talked-about players this season.

At the same time, Rishabh Pant has had a mixed IPL 2026 so far. He has shown glimpses of his talent but has not been consistent. This contrast has started a new discussion among cricket followers. The focus is now on performances and form in the lead-up to major tournaments.

Sanju Samson likely to replace Rishabh Pant in Indian ODI side as BCCI prepares for ICC ODI World Cup 2027 

As per a recent report by Dainik Jagran, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is strongly backing Samson over Pant as the second wicketkeeper in the ODI team, even though Dhurv Jurel is also in contention. KL Rahul will still remain the front runner for the position. India will next face Afghanistan for a mini home ODI series from June 14.

Pant was previously selected for India’s series against New Zealand, however, due to an injury he missed the entire tournament. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir are working on to build a core team for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027.

The numbers from IPL 2026 clearly show the difference between their current form. Pant has scored 189 runs in 8 matches with the best score of 68*. His average is 27 and strike rate is 126.85. But he has not been able to build momentum.

Samson, however, has been outstanding. He has scored 304 runs in 8 matches. His average is 50.67 with a strike rate of 169.83. He has already hit two centuries for Chennai. His batting has been clean and aggressive. His blistering white-ball form has triggered a fresh wicketkeeper debate in Indian cricket.

Samson’s ODI numbers also strengthen his case. In 16 matches, he has scored 510 runs at an average of 56.67. He has one century and three fifties. His record in South Africa is also impressive, with 120 runs in two innings.

Pant still has experience on his side. He has played 31 ODIs and scored 871 runs at an average of 33.50. He has delivered in tough situations before. But current form is now a big talking point.

With the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa coming closer, selectors will have to make a careful choice. Every performance from here will matter. Going forward the team will face West Indies and Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand in home and away series respectively.

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