Thiruvananthapuram: Questions surrounding Sanju Samson’s position in India’s T20I lineup have reached a fever pitch following a string of low scores in the ongoing series against New Zealand, sparking intense debate over whether the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter will retain his spot for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The 31-year-old, recently reinstated as an aggressive opener alongside Abhishek Sharma, has struggled to find his rhythm, recording scores of 10, 6, 0, and 24 in the first four matches of the series. With the mandatory ICC squad submission deadline falling on Saturday, Jan 31, the Indian team management faces a high-stakes decision between sticking with a proven match-winner and turning to an in-form alternative.

The ‘Sanju Samson Problem’

The debate has intensified around what analysts are calling "the Sanju Samson problem", the maddening inconsistency of a player whose ceiling is higher than almost any other batter in the world, yet whose floor remains dangerously low. Despite possessing a rare ability to strike at a rate of over 200 from the first ball, Samson has struggled to translate his individual brilliance into a reliable sequence of scores. This "feast or famine" nature of his batting has created a tactical headache for head coach Gautam Gambhir; while Samson can single-handedly win a match, his frequent early departures often leave the middle order exposed during the critical powerplay overs.

The Ishan Kishan Factor

The primary catalyst for the replacement talk has been the resurgence of Ishan Kishan. Drafted into the squad as injury cover for Tilak Varma, Kishan has capitalised on his return to international cricket with scores of 8, 76, and 28. Critics and former players have suggested that Kishan’s left-handedness and current momentum provide a more stable foundation for India's powerplay. However, a transition would require a tactical reshuffle, likely moving Kishan to the opening slot and shifting middle-order combinations.

Management’s Vote of Confidence

Despite the growing external pressure, the Indian camp appears to be standing firmly behind Samson. Speaking ahead of the final T20I in Trivandrum, bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissed concerns regarding a permanent slump. "Sanju is one knock away from getting that confidence back," Morkel told reporters. "Form is temporary, class is permanent. He is training well and hitting the ball very well; it’s just a matter of time before he gets a score on the board."

Final Countdown

India currently holds a 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The final game, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Greenfield International Stadium, is being viewed as a virtual "final trial" for Samson. Should he fail to deliver in front of his home crowd, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, may be forced to reconsider Kishan or even a recalled Shubman Gill before the final World Cup roster is locked.