India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has delivered a strong message of support for Sanju Samson, insisting the opener is “just one big knock away” from regaining his rhythm. Despite a lean run in the ongoing series against New Zealand, the team management appears committed to backing the wicketkeeper-batter as a primary opening option for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7.
Speaking ahead of the fourth T20I in Visakhapatnam, Morkel dismissed concerns regarding Samson’s recent scores of 10, 6, and a golden duck in the third match. He emphasized that the focus remains on peaking at the right time rather than reacting to short-term fluctuations in form.
Backing Talent Over Recent Totals
The management’s patience stems from Samson’s proven ability to dominate matches once he settles. Morkel noted that Samson has been “hitting the ball very well” in the nets and maintained that his “class is permanent.”
- Management Perspective: The coaching staff views Samson as a high-impact player who provides the aggressive “left-right” combination alongside Abhishek Sharma.
- Team Success: Morkel highlighted that with India leading the series 3-0, the environment is relaxed enough to allow individual players the space to work through lean patches.
- Wicketkeeping Balance: Following the omission of Shubman Gill for “team balance,” the selectors have prioritized having wicketkeeping options at the top of the order, leaving Samson as the frontrunner for the role.
The Pressure of Competition: Ishan Kishan’s Rise
While the coaches are offering a long leash, the pressure from the dugout is undeniable. Ishan Kishan, who recently returned to the T20I setup, has seized his opportunities with scores of 8, 76, and 28 while filling in for the injured Tilak Varma.
| Feature | Sanju Samson (Last 3) | Ishan Kishan (Last 3) |
| Total Runs | 16 | 112 |
| Highest Score | 10 | 76 |
| Strike Rate | 84.21 | 155.55 |
The debate over the opening slot is expected to intensify if Samson fails to deliver in the final two matches of the New Zealand series. While Samson brings the experience of three T20I centuries in late 2024, Kishan’s current momentum makes him a tempting alternative for captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Final Opportunity in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram
The upcoming matches in Visakhapatnam and Samson’s home ground of Thiruvananthapuram represent his last chances to quiet the critics before the World Cup. With the series already won, India may experiment with the lineup, but Morkel’s comments suggest that Samson will be given the full opportunity to bat himself back into confidence.
