Ishan Kishan Tilak Varma Sanju Samson for India. Image Credits: XSanju Samson’s rough patch has stretched into a third straight game in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. The India opener has fallen inside the powerplay in all three matches so far, raising serious concerns about his confidence and ability to handle the new ball under pressure.Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan has made an immediate impact after his return to the side. In just three innings, the left-hander has smashed 112 runs at a stunning strike-rate of 224, including a blazing 76 in the second T20I at Raipur that marked his explosive re-entry in India colours. With Tilak Varma close to full fitness and set to return soon, selection debates have intensified. Should India continue with Sanju Samson despite his failures, or reward Ishan Kishan’s red-hot form? Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane delivered a bold and clear answer, backing continuity over momentum. Ishan Kishan sits out for Ajinkya Rahane despite red-hot form Many fans and experts are already calling for Ishan Kishan to replace Sanju Samson in the playing XI, especially after his fearless starts at the top. However, Ajinkya Rahane, speaking on Cricbuzz, went against popular opinion and firmly backed Sanju Samson to retain his place. “When Tilak Varma comes back, Ishan Kishan sits out for me. Sanju Samson, back him even if he does not get any runs in the next two T20Is,” Rahane said. Rahane believes Samson’s quality goes beyond his current numbers and feels patience is key, especially with Tilak Varma returning to the side. He added that the team management and captain are likely to share the same view, preferring stability and backing Samson for a few more matches despite the recent struggle. Rahane Wants Sanju Samson to give himself time in the middle India’s T20I approach has been ruthless, with Abhishek Sharma going full throttle and showing no mercy to bowlers. However, Ajinkya Rahane feels this approach may not suit Sanju Samson, advising him to spend time early, settle in, and then go big to get runs under his belt. "Let's not compare him with Abhishek Sharma. Sanju Samson has a different ability. Spending a little bit of time and taking the first over out before taking the game on from there will be ideal for him,” Rahane added. Players like Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav have mirrored the aggressive mindset as well, with Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh carrying the momentum. Yet Rahane feels Samson needs a slightly different route to rediscover form going to the World Cup. Backing faith vs facing facts ahead of the T20 World Cup Rahane’s view is understandable, but Samson’s inconsistency against the new ball is not new. Since the start of 2025, he averages just 17 in T20Is. As an opener in this period, his average drops further to 11.55 across nine innings, exposing a worrying pattern. On the other hand, Ishan Kishan has returned to international cricket breathing fire, a form that cannot be ignored. With the World Cup nearing, India must balance loyalty with performance, as keeping the squad sharp and confident may demand tougher selection calls ahead.
