Sunil Gavaskar throws Sanju Samson out of India XI for T20 World Cup 2026

Sunil Gavaskar weighs in on Sanju Samson vs Ishan Kishan T20 World Cup selection debate: India stormed in the final game of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Despite having won the series two matches earlier against the Kiwis, the Men in Blue were explosive on Saturday night at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. In the fifth and final T20I, after electing to bat first, Suryakumar Yadav’s side posted a mammoth total of 271/5.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has made his prediction for how India could line up for the upcoming major ICC event. While speaking with Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar pointed out how India could shape their XI and also the player who might be out of the playing XI.

Sunil Gavaskar feels Sanju Samson might be the player to leave out of the playing XI

Sunil Gavaskar said, "I think the selection committee was quite forthright, giving Sanju Samson all the opportunities. But now, with Ishan Kishan's innings here and Tilak Varma likely to return, the batting order looks definite. Unless Tilak Varma is not fit, I don't see him (Samson) being part of the XI on February 7."

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"It is really difficult to drop him. And dropping him for whom? Tilak Varma is a proven performer at this level. Sanju Samson is also a proven performer, but he is not in form. It has got nothing to do with his ability. In a tournament like the World Cup, you can't take chances. This is the reason I think that after giving him five matches - I think his highest score is 24 - and he has got out in odd manners, he is definitely short on confidence. Unless Tilak Varma is not fit, I don't see him (Samson) being part of the XI on February 7 (vs USA in the T20 World Cup)," Sunil Gavaskar added.

Ishan Kishan show in Thiruvananthapuram

Ishan Kishan, who has continued to display his amazing domestic form in international cricket. Since his return to the T20I side, he has been scoring in blistering pace and played an amazing knock of 103 runs off 43 deliveries. His innings alongside Surya’s half-century and some small cameos from Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma led India to cross the 250+ mark.

Kishan, since his return, finished the series with 215 runs, including a hundred and a fifty, second only to Suryakumar Yadav. The impact that he has created has been amazing, and with Tilak Varma's return, India's top three will be scintillating to watch.

Sanju Samson's off form

Sanju Samson might be one of the unluckiest players. During his hot form, he was dropped from the side while fitting in Shubman Gill, and then he batted at an unusual position during the Asia Cup 2025.

After he got back his opening position back he failed to impress in the series, scoring 46 runs in just five innings with an average below 10. He failed to find his 2024 form back and might lose his place once again. India will be hosting the USA in their first group game.

Also Read: “A bit of pressure due to Ishan Kishan” - Sanju Samson’s childhood coach's shocking claim ahead of T20 WC