The big question looming over India’s T20I squad selection is whether Sanju Samson will edge out Ishan Kishan for a spot. Both wicketkeeper-batters showcased their form recently in the Duleep Trophy, with each scoring a century. However, Samson stood out with 196 runs compared to Kishan’s 123 in their respective four innings for India D and India C. The critical question remains: will Samson’s impressive Duleep Trophy numbers be enough to overshadow his two ducks in his last T20I appearances against Sri Lanka in July? Given his recent form, there’s a strong possibility that Samson could reclaim his place, though competition is fierce, reports Live Cricket Score.
Ishan Kishan, meanwhile, has been making headlines after he complied with the selectors’ request to participate in domestic cricket, sparking speculation about his potential recall for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Before being sidelined nearly a year ago for reasons unrelated to his on-field performances, Kishan had almost solidified his place in India’s white-ball setup, even securing a spot in the 50-over World Cup squad.
While Kishan’s focus on domestic cricket raised his chances of a return, it now appears he may have to wait longer. Kishan has been named in the Irani Cup squad, whereas Samson is not part of the October 1-5 fixture, which concludes in Lucknow just a day before the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on October 6. Although selectors can pull players from domestic matches for international duty, Samson seems to be the preferred choice. With 30 T20Is under his belt, Samson could be called upon to open the innings, a role he undertook against Sri Lanka, albeit without much success.
India’s T20I team requires an opener, especially since Test players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to be rested, with the focus on more essential Test duties. The two had opened during the T20Is in Sri Lanka but are unlikely to be picked, alongside other Test regulars like Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Rishabh Pant, all of whom were part of the T20I squad in Sri Lanka. This could create an opportunity for someone like Sai Sudharsan, who featured in a T20I in Zimbabwe in July. However, Sudharsan is also part of the Irani Cup squad. Suryakumar Yadav will return as captain, and Hardik Pandya will likely be included.
The T20I series against Bangladesh kicks off on October 6 in Gwalior, followed by matches on October 9 in New Delhi and October 12 in Hyderabad.
