As the Indian cricket team prepares for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, a burning question is on everyone’s mind: Will Sanju Samson edge out Ishan Kishan for a spot in India’s T20I squad? Both players have recently impressed by showcasing their skills and determination in the Duleep Trophy, making this selection a tough call for the team management and selectors.
Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, both talented wicketkeeper-batters, have showcased their mettle with outstanding performances in the Duleep Trophy. Samson outshone Kishan by scoring 196 runs compared to Kishan’s 123 in four innings for India D and India C, respectively. Despite these impressive statistics, lingering uncertainties surround Samson’s two ducks in his last two T20Is against Sri Lanka in July. However, his resurgent form in the Duleep Trophy held in Anantapur has bolstered his chances of reclaiming his place in the national team. The competition remains fierce, but Samson’s recent performance could very well tip the scales in his favor.
Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan has garnered attention for complying with the selectors’ mandate to participate in domestic cricket, fueling speculations that he might receive a call-up for the forthcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Before being sidelined nearly a year ago, Kishan had almost cemented his place in India’s white-ball setup. His consistency had also earned him a spot in the 50-over World Cup squad. Now, with his renewed focus on domestic cricket, Kishan appears to be in the fray for a recall to the Indian team. However, it looks like he may have to wait a little longer, as he has been included in the Irani Cup squad and not in the T20I lineup for Bangladesh.
The first T20I against Bangladesh is scheduled to take place on October 6 in Gwalior, just a day after the Irani Cup fixture concludes in Lucknow on October 5. While selectors have the liberty to pull a player from domestic matches for international duty, it currently seems that Sanju Samson may be the preferred choice.
. Samson, with 30 T20Is under his belt, could potentially be called upon to open the innings despite his lackluster performance in that role during the series against Sri Lanka.
With the absence of Test players, the need for an opener in the T20Is arises. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who opened in the T20Is against Sri Lanka, are likely to be kept out due to their more critical Test responsibilities. Other Test players, including Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Rishabh Pant, who were part of the T20I squad in Sri Lanka, are also expected to be sidelined. This scenario opens up opportunities for emerging talents like Sai Sudharsan.
Sai Sudharsan, who played a T20I in Zimbabwe in July and has been a consistent performer for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat Titans, is also part of the Irani Cup squad. However, he remains a potential candidate to be pulled into the T20I squad, potentially as an opener. The selection of Suryakumar Yadav as the squad captain and the inclusion of Hardik Pandya indicate that the team management is striving for a balanced combination of experienced players and young talents.
The schedule for the T20I series against Bangladesh includes matches on October 6 in Gwalior, October 9 in New Delhi, and October 12 in Hyderabad. The selectors’ decisions regarding the squad composition and player roles will significantly shape the team’s performance in this series.
In summary, the competition between Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to secure a spot in India’s T20I squad remains intense. Both players have demonstrated their capabilities in domestic cricket, but recent performances and strategic considerations seem to favor Samson’s inclusion for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. As the cricketing world awaits the final team announcement, the excitement and anticipation surrounding this selection continue to build, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sport and the constant quest for excellence among India’s cricketing talents.