India Should Persist With Sanju Samson Despite Lean Patch, Says Ajinkya Rahane

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has urged the Indian team management to continue backing Sanju Samson despite the opener’s struggles in the ongoing India vs New Zealand T20I series, emphasising that patience and belief are crucial in the build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026.

Samson’s difficulties at the top of the order came into sharper focus after a golden duck in the Guwahati T20I, leaving him with just 16 runs from three innings in 2026. The low returns have sparked debate around India’s opening combination at a time when the team is shaping its plans for the global event next year. However, Rahane believes such phases are part of a batter’s journey in the shortest format and should not prompt hasty decisions.

Speaking during a cricket discussion, Rahane stressed that the leadership group is likely to show faith in Samson, describing him as a player of proven quality who only needs clarity and confidence to rediscover his rhythm.

Rahane underlined that T20 cricket often magnifies failures, making dismissals appear worse than they actually are. According to him, the modern format demands freedom of expression rather than fear of outcomes.

He also cautioned against comparing Samson with Abhishek Sharma, who has enjoyed a blistering run at the top of the order in the same series. Abhishek’s explosive strokeplay, including a lightning-fast half-century in Guwahati, has captured attention, but Rahane insisted that each batter must play to his own strengths.

Rahane pointed out that Samson’s skill set is different and equally valuable, particularly when he focuses on constructing an innings rather than chasing instant impact. He referenced Samson’s past performances in the Indian Premier League, especially for the Rajasthan Royals, where the wicketkeeper-batter has played several match-winning knocks under pressure.

According to Rahane, Samson does not need a big score immediately to silence critics. Even modest contributions that allow him to spend time at the crease could help restore confidence and rhythm. In a format where momentum can change rapidly, a short but meaningful stay at the crease often proves more valuable than reckless aggression.

Statistically, Samson’s recent numbers underline the challenge ahead. In his last nine innings as an opener, he has managed just over 100 runs, averaging in the low teens. While the strike rate remains respectable, the lack of consistency has kept the spotlight firmly on his role. With the series already decided and attention shifting to the next fixture, the Indian team faces a tactical decision: persist with Samson or explore alternatives such as Tilak Varma, who is returning to contention.

Rahane’s message, however, is clear. With a World Cup less than a year away, India’s focus should be on building confidence rather than reacting to short-term outcomes. Stability at the top, he suggested, could pay dividends when pressure peaks on the global stage.

As India continue to experiment and fine-tune combinations, the backing of experienced voices like Rahane highlights a broader philosophy — trust talent, allow freedom, and give players the space to grow. For Sanju Samson, that faith could be the difference between a fleeting opportunity and a defining role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign.