Sanju Samson Falters in Crucial T20I, Impact on World Cup Selection Looms

In a critical T20 International against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, Kerala captain Sanju Samson missed a crucial opportunity to strengthen his case for a spot in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Sitting out the first two matches of the series, the 29-year-old endured a first-ball duck, adopting an overaggressive approach that cost him dearly. While his batting faltered, Samson showcased his prowess behind the stumps with a brilliant leg-side stumping and a direct hit, contributing significantly to the Indian fielding effort.

The competition for the wicketkeeper’s slot in the T20 World Cup remains fierce, with KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and the recovering Rishabh Pant also in contention. The final decision from the selectors is pending, and Samson’s hopes hinge on his performance for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024. With this T20I being India’s last fixture before the mega event, Samson’s journey to secure a spot in the World Cup lineup now faces heightened scrutiny.