Last Chance for Sanju Samson: Under-Pressure Opener Battles for T20 World Cup Spot

As India dominates the ongoing series against New Zealand with a 3-0 lead, the spotlight has shifted to Sanju Samson, who is currently fighting to secure his place in the T20 World Cup squad. Despite a stellar 2024, Samson has struggled significantly in 2025, with opponents successfully exploiting technical flaws in his batting, particularly his vulnerability to straight, fast deliveries. With star batter Tilak Varma nearing a return from injury and internal competition from players like Ishan Kishan heating up, the remaining matches in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram represent a “last stand” for the Kerala batter to prove his form and reliability at the top of the order.

While Samson’s individual form is a concern, the Indian team as a collective is in a formidable position as they prepare to defend their world title. Bowling coach Morne Morkel remains optimistic, stating that Samson is just “one knock away” from regaining his confidence, while also praising the team’s bowling flexibility and tactical experimentation. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been closely monitoring Samson’s progress in the nets, hoping that the missing piece of India’s batting jigsaw—a consistent second opener—falls into place before the tournament begins. For Samson, playing in front of a home crowd in Kerala may provide the perfect stage for a much-needed career resurgence.