Cricketing Legend Defends Sanju Samson's Unfair Treatment in India's T20 Setup

As of October 31st, 2025, former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has come out in strong support of Sanju Samson, criticizing the national team's treatment of the talented wicketkeeper-batter. Srikkanth, known for his outspoken nature, has expressed his frustration over the constant shuffling of Samson's batting position, which he believes has disrupted the Kerala cricketer's rhythm and confidence.

Samson has been one of India's most explosive T20I openers since their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, smashing three centuries and averaging 37 at a strike rate of 183 in just 13 innings. However, with the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I setup during the recent Asia Cup, Samson has been pushed down the order, batting at No. 5 thrice, once at No. 3, and even as low as No. 8 against Bangladesh.

Despite the inconsistency, Samson played a crucial hand in India's tense last-over win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, scoring a valuable 21-ball 24. Srikkanth remains optimistic about Samson's future, stating that his performance at No. 5 in the Asia Cup is a "good sign" and that he is now the "automatic choice as the first wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup."

Looking ahead, Srikkanth predicts that the XI which played the opening T20I against Australia in Canberra is "more or less the World Cup team," with Hardik Pandya replacing Harshit Rana. The former India opener believes that the team is now "almost set" and that it's just a matter of "getting match practice and rhythm before the World Cup."