 "'He is not in form': Sunil Gavaskar backs Ishan Kishan as first-choice wicketkeeper for T20 World Cup 2026")
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given a clear and blunt verdict on the ongoing wicketkeeper debate ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, backing Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson for a place in India’s playing XI. Gavaskar believes Samson has been given enough chances and his lack of form has hurt his case.
Speaking on Star Sports after the fifth T20I between India and New Zealand, Gavaskar said the selectors had been fair to Samson by giving him an extended run. However, Kishan’s recent performances and Tilak Varma’s likely return have made the batting order almost certain.
“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,” Gavaskar said.
The former India opener made it clear that form is the key issue for Samson to possibly miss out on selection in the playing XI. He said Samson has the ability to perform at the highest level, but in a tournament like the World Cup, in-form players must be given priority.
“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 being part of the XI on February 7,” Gavaskar said.
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View AllIshan Kishan proves his worth
Ishan Kishan, meanwhile, has made full use of his chances. After missing the previous game due to a niggle, he walked in early once again following Samson’s failure. Kishan had already impressed with a blistering 76 off 32 balls earlier in the series and followed it up with a stunning century, scoring 103 off just 43 deliveries.
His dominance was such that it appeared the team management had already leaned in his favour and decided the playing XI. During the chase, Kishan came out wearing the keeper’s gloves, despite Samson being listed as the keeper on the team sheet. But Suryakumar Yadav later clarified that the decision was pre-planned.
After being out of the Indian setup for several months, Kishan’s return has been nothing short of dramatic. His inclusion had already forced a big call, with Shubman Gill, India’s former T20 vice-captain, getting dropped due to “combinations” as the team management wanted a keeper to bat at the top.
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