Sanju Samson likely to be selected for Bangladesh T20Is
Sanju Samson is expected to secure a spot in Team India's T20I squad ahead of Ishan Kishan. Both wicketkeeper-batters slammed hundreds in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy 2024 3rd-round match. As per Cricbuzz, there's a good chance Samson might just reclaim his place in the 20-over format for Inda, though the competition remains fierce. Kishan could get the nod over Kishan with Rishabh Pant set to be rested. Here's more.
Samson's past performances and future prospects
Despite his impressive performance in the 2024 edition of the Duleep Trophy, doubts linger due to Samson's previous two ducks in his last two T20Is against Sri Lanka in July. On the other hand, Kishan has been making headlines for adhering to the selectors' mandate to participate in domestic cricket. This has fueled speculation about his potential return to the Indian team for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.
Kishan's past achievements and current status
Before being sidelined nearly a year ago for reasons not entirely related to his on-field performance, Kishan had almost solidified his place in India's white-ball setup. His consistency had even earned him a spot in the 50-over ICC World Cup squad. Now, with renewed focus on domestic cricket, Kishan was hoping for a recall into the India team but it seems he may have to wait longer.
Samson's potential role in upcoming T20Is
Kishan has been selected for the Irani Cup squad, while Samson is not part of the October 1-5 five-day fixture. This ends in Lucknow just a day before the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on October 6. With 30 T20Is under his belt, Samson may be called upon to open the innings, a role he undertook during the series against Sri Lanka albeit without success.
T20I squad changes and upcoming matches
The report adds that selectors are unlikely to pick Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the T20Is due to Test duties versus New Zealand. This decision may open up an opportunity for someone like Sai Sudarshan. Suryakumar Yadav will return as captain of the squad which will also have Hardik Pandya. After the first T20I on October 6 (Gwalior), the teams will play the remaining two on October 9 (New Delhi) and October 12 (Hyderabad).
