Sanju Samson dropped, Shubman Gill back? India's biggest T20 World Cup 2026 puzzle solved

Shubman Gill was dropped from T20 WC for Sanju Samson [Source: AFP]

Sanju Samson's woes don't seem to end soon as the Indian cricketer continues to have a forgettable time with the bat. The keeper-batter was preferred over Shubman Gill for the T20 World Cup 2026; however, his returns in the India vs New Zealand T20I series are nothing short of shambolic. Despite the team management backing him to the hilt, Samson has yet to justify his selection, with his poor form raising serious questions over his place in India's T20 World Cup squad. 

The fact that Sanju Samson was picked over the promising Shubman Gill has only added fuel to the fire, pointing fingers at the Indian selection committee, chaired by former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar. 

It's worth noting that Gill wasn't at the form of his life when India decided to sideline him from their T20 World Cup plans. Despite that, Samson's more horrific form and erratic outings raise one question: Could things have been different had India chosen Gill over him for the mega event? 

Shubman Gill can still enter India's T20 World Cup squad

(Gill has performed better than Samson since 2025)

When the BCCI selection committee picked India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, Shubman Gill's unexpected exclusion sparked debate. However, with Abhishek Sharma's opening partner, Sanju Samson, not living up to the expectations, India can still replace him with Gill if they decide to do so. 

According to the ICC rules, India can make amendments to their T20 World Cup squad until January 31. The deadline undoubtedly keeps Gill's T20 World Cup hopes alive amid the rough patch of Samson, who has managed only 238 runs at a horrendous average of 17 and a strike rate of 126.60 across 14 T20I innings since 2025. 

So, if Samson doesn't regain his mojo in the ongoing series against New Zealand, the BCCI selection committee has a definite opportunity to rule him out and announce Shubman Gill as his replacement. 

Alternative options for India if Shubman Gill remains on the sidelines

On the contrary, if the BCCI doesn't tinker with the existing squad and decides not to recall Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma's fitness will play a decisive role in determining the Indian top order for the T20 World Cup. 

(Ishan and Samson in IND vs NZ T20Is)

As evidenced by the above stats, Ishan Kishan has comprehensively outperformed Sanju Samson in the India vs New Zealand T20I series. Although Ishan is currently batting at number three, India can promote him to open the innings if Samson's lean run persists and Tilak Varma receives fitness clearance to feature in the T20 World Cup. 

According to the latest update, Tilak has recovered from a testicular injury and is slated to feature in India's warm-up fixtures ahead of the first group stage match against the United States on February 7. 

So, if Ishan continues to decimate the New Zealand bowling attack and Samson doesn't overcome his poor form, India can ask the former to open and allot the number three slot to Tilak in the T20 World Cup. 

Conclusion

Thus, Sanju Samson definitely has a point to prove in the remainder of the India vs New Zealand T20Is. Given that Tilak hasn't been recalled for the home series, Samson will likely be given two more opportunities, during which his performance will be judiciously monitored by the Indian team management. So, the upcoming two games will be crucial for the Kerala batter, as another failure could result in either Gill's T20I return or his exclusion from India's first-choice T20 World Cup XI.