Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson: Who should open for India in T20 World Cup?

Ishan Kishan vs Sanju Samson [Source: AFP]

On Friday, Team India delivered an outstanding performance in the second T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand. The match, played in Raipur on January 23, turned out to be a high-scoring thriller. 

Batting first, New Zealand posted a massive total of 208 runs. However, India chased the target comfortably, thanks largely to a breathtaking partnership that changed the game completely.

After India lost both openers early, the responsibility fell on Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav. What followed was pure dominance. Ishan Kishan played a sensational knock of 76 runs off just 32 balls, showing fearless intent and excellent timing. 

His innings not only helped India seal the win but also sparked a fresh debate among fans and experts alike, should Ishan Kishan be preferred over Sanju Samson for the T20 World Cup 2026?

Ishan Kishan’s red-hot comeback

To understand why this debate has gained momentum, one must look at Ishan Kishan’s recent journey. Not long ago, Kishan was out of India’s plans completely. Despite being part of the ODI World Cup 2023 squad and holding the record for the fastest ODI double century, he was missing from the BCCI central contract list last year. 

Instead of giving up, Kishan went back to domestic cricket and worked hard on his game.

As a result, his performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) was nothing short of extraordinary. He led Jharkhand to their first-ever SMAT title and scored 517 runs in the tournament at an astonishing strike rate of 197.33. This explosive form could not be ignored and earned him a direct call-up to India’s T20 World Cup 2026 setup.

Moreover, luck has also favoured Kishan. With Tilak Varma ruled out due to injury, Kishan got an immediate chance in the playing XI. Although he failed in the first match by scoring only 8 runs off 5 balls, he bounced back strongly in the second game with his match-winning 76.

Ishan Kishan's T20I opening stats

So far, Kishan has opened in 27 T20I innings, scoring 662 runs at a strike rate of 122.27, proving that he can handle pressure at the top.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, Kishan’s timing could not have been better. His fearless batting and ability to change the game quickly make him a strong contender for a permanent spot.

Sanju Samson’s struggles continue

On the other hand, Sanju Samson’s story paints a contrasting picture. After Shubman Gill was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad and the New Zealand series, Samson was handed a golden opportunity to cement his place. Unfortunately, he has failed to make the most of it.

In the South Africa T20I series, Samson managed only 37 runs in one match. Furthermore, in the ongoing New Zealand series, he has scored just 16 runs in two innings, averaging a disappointing 8.00. These numbers raise serious concerns, especially at a time when competition for spots is intense.

Sanju Samson's stats against SENA countries

Additionally, Samson’s T20I record against top teams is worrying. Against SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), he has scored 380 runs in 18 innings at an average of 22.35, which is below expectations for an international batter. Even though he has opened in 20 T20I innings, scoring 575 runs, consistency has remained a major issue.

Final verdict: Who is ahead?

In conclusion, while Sanju Samson is still considered the first-choice wicketkeeper, his recent failures have opened the door for Ishan Kishan. With Tilak Varma expected to return and reclaim the number three spot, India cannot afford to play both Samson and Kishan together. If Kishan continues his aggressive run-scoring and Samson fails again, selectors may be forced to make a tough call.

Cricket is ultimately about form and impact. If Ishan Kishan fires again and Samson struggles, there would be little justification to keep Kishan on the bench. Therefore, the upcoming three T20I matches becomes extremely important.