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Ex-India cricketer backs Sanju Samson; Calls him 'most unlucky' amid T20I batting role shuffle

Sakshi Sharma

Sanju Samson (Source: AFP)Sanju Samson (Source: AFP)

Former India player Kris Srikkanth has voiced strong support for Sanju Samson. He said that the wicketkeeper-batter has been "India’s most unlucky player" due to the constant shuffling of his batting position.

Speaking on YouTube channel, Srikkanth said Samson had performed well as an opener but has since been pushed around the batting order, from No. 3 to No. 8, and even joked that he might be sent in at No. 11 next.

Srikkanth on Sanju Samson’s constant role changes

"The guy who's most unlucky is Sanju Samson. He was scoring centuries as an opener. But now they send him everywhere from 3 to 8. If given an opportunity, they may send him at 11 also. So a person like Sanju also will feel bad, having done so well at the top. But he has no option but to be tight-lipped and bat wherever the team asks him to," Srikkanth said on YouTube.

Srikkanth also highlighted a positive side for Sanju Samson, pointing out that his consistent performance at No. 5 in the Asia Cup 2025 has strengthened his case for the upcoming T20 World Cup. 

"The only good thing is he did well at 5 in the Asia Cup. It's a good sign for him because now Sanju is the automatic choice as the first wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup. He is sure to bat at No. 5."

Srikkanth predicts India’s T20 World Cup 2026 playing XI

Srikkanth also shared his thoughts on India’s possible T20 World Cup XI. The former star player stated that the lineup from the first T20I against Australia will almost be the same for the global event. He even further stated that there are high chances that Hardik Pandya will return to the playing XI in place of Harshit Rana.

"The 11 that played today is more or less the one for the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya will come into the 11 for Harshit Rana. That'll be the 11 for the World Cup. Arshdeep might have to miss out again because of the combination as we have to play three spinners," he said.

It is important to mention that Sanju Samson, who had excelled as an opener before the Asia Cup, was replaced by vice-captain Shubman Gill at the top. Despite the change in the batting position, Samson recently stated that he is focused on adapting to his new role and securing his place in the T20 World Cup squad.