Former India captain Sourav Ganguly supports Sanju Samson because he wants the team management to provide extended playing time for the wicketkeeper-batter even though Samson currently performs poorly. Since December 2025 when he started batting first Samson has experienced his worst performance at the plate.
The wicketkeeper-batter received another chance to play during India’s second match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Namibia. He scored 22 runs off eight balls before getting out because he hit the ball to deep mid-wicket.
Ganguly recommended that India should stick with their existing players for the Pakistan national cricket team match despite Samson’s current underperformance because he believes that they should replace him only if Abhishek Sharma recovers from his stomach infection. “India’s combination is strong and well-balanced, so there’s no need for major changes. The entire situation depends on Abhishek Sharma’s health status. The team should use Sanju as a replacement for Abhishek if he becomes eligible to participate,” Ganguly told India Today.
Ganguly showed how Samson succeeded as an opener when he achieved three century scores during 2024 which showed that he needs more time to show his batting abilities. “Sanju is a very good player and deserves consistent opportunities. The pressure on players becomes excessive when they face a situation where two failures will lead to their elimination from the team. The best way to help him keep his performance level is to provide him with extended playing time. He scored three T20I centuries just over a year ago. I wish to see him receive the time which he needs because he possesses great potential,” he added.
The T20I opening performance of Samson from 2025 onward shows alarming results for his batting performance. In 12 matches he managed to score 156 runs with an average of 13 whereas his highest score reached 37 runs. His first 12 matches reveal that he successfully completed powerplay period only on two occasions because he faced major difficulties when batting at the top order.
Samson will start in the major match against Pakistanbecause Abhishek Sharma’s fitness remains uncertain. The opening batter must seize this opportunity to lead India toward a historic victory.
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