![Sanju Samson might re-enter IND playing XI vs SA [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771649061345_samsonabhishekt20worldcup2026.jpg?type=hq)
Sanju Samson might re-enter IND playing XI vs SA [Source: X]
Abhishek Sharma finds himself on the firing line following three consecutive ducks in the T20 World Cup 2026. As the swashbuckling southpaw continues to struggle in the marquee event, India's latest net session has hinted at a possible bold move of replacing the out-of-form batter with Sanju Samson for their first Super 8 match against South Africa.
Under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership, India have been phenomenal in the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue have won four matches on the trot and are beaming with confidence heading to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
Abhishek Sharma's poor form brings Sanju Samson back into the reckoning
Although India have been prolific in the T20 World Cup, Abhishek Sharma's poor form has emerged as a massive concern for them. The left-handed batter has yet to get off the mark, registering three successive ducks in the tournament.
More importantly, the opponents have discovered an effective method to counter Abhishek's aggressive stroke-play in the powerplay. As the opening batter loves to go the aerial route by using the pace, the opponents have brought in off-spinners straightaway, neutralising him at the early stage of the game.
Also read: Abhishek Sharma Exposed: Bowlers Who Can Dismiss India Star In T20 World Cup Super 8
As Abhishek Sharma's lean patch continues, India must be searching for ways to maximise the powerplay field restrictions through strategic tweaks. And as it seems, Sanju Samson has re-entered the conversation as a part of India's amended strategy in the middle of the T20 World Cup.
India arrange extended net session for Sanju Samson before South Africa match
Team India's recent net session hinted at Sanju Samson's possible comeback to the playing XI for the high-voltage Super 8 contest against South Africa. The keeper-batter ensured a flying start for his side against Namibia, scoring a quick-fire 8-ball 22.
Given that the Men in Blue have three left-handers in their top order, Samson's extended net session signifies they might be looking to use him as an aggressor to counter the off-spinners in the powerplay.
According to renowned journalists Subhayan Chakraborty and Rohit Juglan, Samson underwent rigorous grind in the nets as he gears up for a return to the Indian playing XI. The explosive Kerala batter even batted alongside Ishan Kishan, making fans wonder if he would replace Abhishek Sharma at the opening slot.
If not Abhishek, then who can make room for Samson?
Despite Abhishek Sharma's persistent middling returns, the Indian team management might still persist with him, with bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissing any serious concern around his batting form.
"No discussions about Abhishek Sharma - We are sure he is going to deliver. He is in the nets working hard, he will come good," Morkel stated in the pre-match presser.
Also, given that Abhishek can be a genuine match-winner with his flamboyant hitting, Tilak Varma might have to sacrifice his position if India consider bringing Samson back into the mix.
The Hyderabad batter hasn't really got going in the T20 World Cup, averaging just 26.50 after four outings. But more importantly, his strike rate of 120.45 has earned him massive backlash, adding to India's woes in the middle overs.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see what approach the Indian management follows, as the Men in Blue fine-tune themselves for the Super 8 opener against an in-form Proteas side.
Also read: England Playing XI vs Sri Lanka- T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8– Jos Buttler Dropped?
