Ishan Kishan justifies Gautam Gambhir's Sanju Samson snub in T20 World Cup 2026

Ishan Kishan justifies opening ahead of Sanju Samson. [Source - AFP/@bcci/x]

India’s T20 World Cup preparations took a decisive turn during the warm-up clash against South Africa, where team management finally answered the biggest question surrounding the opening combination. Ishan Kishan was promoted to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, a move that instantly reshaped India's top-order plans.

The decision carried huge significance, especially with Sanju Samson under scrutiny after a poor run as opener. With Tilak Varma returning to fitness and Ishan Kishan already in red-hot form, this warm-up game was always expected to reveal India’s true thinking ahead of the tournament opener.

And it did exactly that. Ishan Kishan didn’t just open, he owned the moment, sending a clear message that India’s title defence will begin with aggression from ball one on Saturday when Suryakumar Yadav’s men take on USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Ishan Kishan makes opening slot his own, hammers 20-ball 53

All eyes were on Ishan Kishan when India walked out to bat at DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday evening, and the left-hander wasted no time in silencing doubts. Opening the innings ahead of Sanju Samson, Ishan smashed a breathtaking 53 off just 20 balls.

His innings, before getting retired out, featured three fours and seven towering sixes, showcasing his ability to take the explosive route with the bat from the very first over. Partnering Abhishek Sharma, Ishan set the tone with fearless intent, adding 80 off 34 balls for the first wicket.

What made the knock even more impactful was the context. Having excelled at number three against New Zealand, questions lingered over whether Ishan could replicate that success as an opener or not. This innings answered it emphatically as the southpaw is ready, confident, and destructive as ever at the top.

Sanju Samson dropped as Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan seal top order

Sanju Samson’s omission from the XI confirmed what had been brewing since the New Zealand series. The right-hander had a torrid run as opener, managing just 46 runs in the five-match series, struggling for timing, confidence, and impact during a critical phase.

Meanwhile, Tilak Varma’s return added further pressure. After missing the New Zealand series due to surgery for testicular torsion, Tilak proved his fitness and form with a fluent outing for India A against USA before reclaiming his natural number three role for India on Wednesday.

More importantly, Ishan Kishan’s storming return against New Zealand where he scored 215 runs in four matches at a strike rate of over 230, including a century, made it impossible for the management to ignore his form. With Tilak back and Ishan firing, Samson simply ran out of time and opportunities.

One player’s missed chance becomes another’s gateway to glory

International cricket is brutally simple. Miss your moment, and someone else grabs it with both hands. Sanju Samson had the opening slot, the backing, and the stage, but failed to convert when it mattered most, opening the door for Ishan Kishan’s resurgence.

As India prepares to launch their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA, the message is clear. Form, fitness, and fearlessness decide selection. Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma own their chances and when you are going into a tournament like the World Cup, that often makes all the difference.