The spotlight is currently on Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan as the two promising wicketkeeper-batsmen vie for a coveted spot in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Both have been in commendable form recently, particularly in the Duleep Trophy, where they turned heads with their noteworthy performances. Samson accrued an impressive 196 runs, while Kishan added 123 runs to his name. Both scored centuries and undoubtedly fortified their credentials, but as the cricket community watches eagerly, the debate on who will make the final cut intensifies.
Sanju Samson’s recent outings in the Duleep Trophy have seemingly resurrected his chances despite a dismal performance in his last two T20Is against Sri Lanka in July where he registered two consecutive ducks. Such figures could have haunted any player, but Samson appears to have put them behind him, showcasing his determination and mettle in domestic cricket. His crucial innings for India D have made a strong case for his inclusion, making many believe that he might just edge out Kishan for the T20I series against Bangladesh.
Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, has also been making headlines, albeit for different reasons. He notably heeded the selectors’ instruction to participate in domestic cricket with fervor, which has fueled speculation about his potential return to the national team. Kishan was close to cementing his spot in India’s white-ball setup before an unexplained hiatus nearly a year ago — a period that coincided not with a dip in his on-field performances but perhaps off-field considerations. During his prime, Kishan’s consistency had earned him a place in the 50-over World Cup squad, showing his capacity to perform on the big stage.
Despite Kishan’s latest efforts in the domestic circuit, it appears that Samson has the upper hand. Kishan has been selected for the Irani Cup squad, which clashes with the dates for the T20I series against Bangladesh. Set to be played from October 1 to 5 in Lucknow, the timing raises questions about his immediate availability for the national team.
. Selectors do have the discretion to pull a player from domestic fixtures for higher duties, but current signals suggest that Samson may be the preferred choice for now.
Samson, who has 30 T20I appearances under his belt, might again be tasked with opening the innings. His previous forays in this role during India’s series against Sri Lanka were far from successful, but his recent form in domestic cricket could offer a fresh opportunity for redemption. The absence of a steady opener for the T20Is becomes more evident with the expected exclusion of players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. These two young cricketers opened in the T20Is in Sri Lanka but are now likely to concentrate on more essential Test duties.
The selection committee’s strategy to rest key Test players, including Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Rishabh Pant—part of the T20I squad in Sri Lanka—leaves room for new faces. Sai Sudarshan, who played in a T20I against Zimbabwe in July, remains another potential contender, though he is also slated to partake in the Irani Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav, a seasoned campaigner, will return as the captain, and alongside him, the squad will feature the dynamic Hardik Pandya. This infusion of experienced players could be pivotal as the team seeks to balance youth and experience while providing platforms for emerging talents like Samson and Kishan.
The Indian cricket calendar places additional importance on making judicious selections for the Bangladesh series, with the first match scheduled for October 6 in Gwalior, followed by fixtures in New Delhi on October 9 and Hyderabad on October 12. Given the limited preparation time, the selectors’ choices will be closely scrutinized, not just by fans but also by Indian cricket pundits.
In essence, the next few days will be crucial for Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan as they await their fate. Both have their merits, and their performances have added rich layers to an already compelling selection narrative. It’s a tough call for the selectors, but one that will undoubtedly be made with India’s future success in mind.