Sanju Samson in danger? Might suffer Ambati Rayudu-like snub for T20 World Cup 2026

Sanju Samson and Ambati Rayudu [Source: X]

Gujarat batter Priyank Panchal has stirred a fresh debate by revisiting the Ambati Rayudu snub and linking it to Sanju Samson’s chances of facing a similar fate ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Sanju Samson did not have the best of outings in the New Zealand series, where he managed to score only 16 runs across three innings.

This has put his place under scrutiny for the T20 World Cup squad, where he is currently the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, with Ishan Kishan second in line. Samson’s dip in form, following a solid Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign and a moderate series against South Africa, has now brought back memories of Ambati Rayudu’s exclusion.

What happened to Ambati Rayudu in 2019?

Priyank Panchal, who has featured in 127 first-class matches and scored 8,856 runs, recently took to social media to comment on the possibility of Sanju Samson being snubbed from the T20 World Cup squad.

On his Twitter handle, Panchal wrote that Samson cannot afford three off games before the World Cup squad announcement, reminding fans of how “Rayudu bhai” lost his place ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

Priyank Panchal

@PKpanchal09

Feeling bad for Sanju. Amid such competition of places, you can’t afford to have three off games so close to the World Cup. Don’t forget it was just three poor outings vs AUS that cost Rayudu bhai his WC spot in 2019. I fear history is set to return itself this time too. #INDvNZ

For those unaware, Ambati Rayudu was left out of India’s squad for the 2019 World Cup, which eventually led to his retirement from international cricket at the time.

He was omitted from the 15-member squad, with the Indian selectors, led by MSK Prasad, opting for all-rounder Vijay Shankar to bat at number four. 

Selectors justified Rayudu's sacking

Prasad famously justified the decision by calling Shankar a “three-dimensional player,” referring to his abilities as a batter, bowler, and fielder. Rayudu, who had been India’s designated number four for a long period and averaged over 40 in 2018, saw his form dip just before the World Cup selection.

In a home ODI series against Australia, he registered scores of 30, 18, and 2, while his IPL form was also inconsistent, which ultimately contributed to his exclusion.

Although Rayudu was named as a reserve player for the World Cup, he was not considered when Vijay Shankar suffered an injury. Instead, Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal were drafted in as replacements. Following these developments, Rayudu announced his retirement in July 2019.

Will Sanju Samson suffer a similar fate to Rayudu?

Questions have been raised over whether Sanju Samson could suffer a similar fate, although he is not likely to face the same outcome as Rayudu. Reports suggest that Ishan Kishan may be asked to sit out of the playing XI for the ICC event, as Samson remains the preferred choice for both the wicketkeeper’s role and the opener’s slot.

However, Samson’s poor form at the top of the order alongside Abhishek Sharma has been concerning and continues to draw attention. With these factors in mind, Samson will be eager for a strong turnaround in the remaining two T20Is against New Zealand, scheduled for January 28 and January 31.

A return to form would be crucial ahead of India’s opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against the United States of America on February 7.