The India national cricket team is currently going through the transition phase after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian team management is now trying to build a strong squad for the future. Presently, one of the biggest questions is who Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson should open the batting with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the T20I format.
Samson and Abhishek both are talented players, and they bring different strengths to the team. While Abhishek is known for attacking from the very first ball, Sanju is someone who can build an innings and also accelerate when needed. This makes the selectors’ job much more challenging. Amid this, Hanuma Vihari questions different rules for Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
Sanju Samson was one of the biggest heroes in India’s 2026 ICC T20 World Cup triumph at home earlier this year. Even though he was not part of India's first-choice team before the tournament, the Kerala star grabbed his chance with both hands. He played some of the best knocks of his career when India needed him the most and helped the team win their third title.
The Kerala batter played a match-winning unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the Super Eight stage. Then he smashed 89 runs against England in the semi-final and followed it up with another brilliant 89 in the final against New Zealand.
Samson finished the tournament with 321 runs, becoming the highest-scoring Indian batter in a single T20 World Cup edition, and won the Player of the Tournament award for his outstanding performances. After such a memorable tournament, many expected Samson to become a regular member of India's T20I team, but things surprisingly went against him.
During the tour of Ireland and England, the right-handed batter failed in three innings and found himself out of the playing XI. He scored 0 and 5 in Ireland, and then he was dismissed for 1, forcing the team management to hand a debut to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi only to bring him back for the final T20I against England, and he managed 27 runs before being rested for the Zimbabwe tour.
On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma has been continuously getting regular opportunities despite his inconsistent performances. But his fearless batting style helped him retain his spot in the team. There is no doubt that Abhishek has played some outstanding innings for India. But he has been struggling since 2025, when he was dismissed for three record ducks straight.
In his last 16 T20I innings, Abhishek has managed only 187 runs at a dismal average of 11.68, including 6 ducks. The Punjab lad smashed only fifty during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign. His struggles continued in the recent UK tour and Zimbabwe tour.
He managed 49 and 0 in Ireland and then smashed 59, 43, 10, 16 and 3 against England in the recent series. Abhishek has again failed to make an impact on the Zimbabwe tour, scoring only 1, 8, and 2. These repeated failures have increased the pressure on him.
Why Sanju Samson vs Abhishek Sharma isn't a straight comparison
The main difference between Samson and Abhishek is not just their batting numbers. It is also about the role they play in the India national cricket team. Abhishek is an attacking opener. He likes to attack the bowlers from the start and put pressure on the bowlers during the powerplay.
His left-handed batting also gives India a different option at the top. Another advantage is that he can bowl left-arm spin whenever the captain needs an extra bowling option. Amid this, Lalit Modi comes forward to support his 'friend' Gautam Gambhir.
However, Sanju Samson offers much more flexibility. He can open the innings, bat at No. 3, or even bat in the middle order. He has the ability to play both attacking and controlled cricket depending on the situation. And then, the Kerala star is also an experienced wicketkeeper, which gives the team another useful option behind the stumps. So, comparing these two Indian stars would only be unfair.
Samson’s experience and performance under pressure, unlike Abhishek’s ability to destroy any bowling attack in just a few overs, are something the selectors can’t ignore. However, international cricket is all about the consistent performance, and that’s where Abhishek is languishing behind.
Indian selectors have a tough decision to make between Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek brings fearless batting at the top and can change the game in the powerplay with his attacking shots. His left-handed batting also gives variety to the batting order, and his left-arm spin offers the captain an extra bowling option.
Even though he has been struggling for consistency, the Indian team management believes he has the talent to become a match-winner. On the other hand, Samson offers experience, flexibility, and consistency. He can bat in different positions, keep wickets, and build long innings when the team needs stability. His outstanding 2026 T20 World Cup proved that he can deliver under pressure.
Samson has a stronger case for a place in India's playing XI than Abhishek. India’s next T20I series is scheduled against the West Indies in October 2026, given the recent form and big-match performances. So, it will be interesting to see whether Samson or Abhishek gets the selectors’ nod.
Who deserves the place right now?
India should bring Sanju Samson back into the T20I team looking at the current situation. His experience will also help young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and their partnership could give India the perfect balance in the T20I format because Abhishek’s slogging also irked many.
Vaibhav can continue playing his natural attacking game, while Samson can guide the youngster and control the innings whenever needed. It also gives India a right-hand and left-hand opening combination, making life more difficult for opposition bowlers.
Abhishek has undoubtedly a bright future, but at this moment, Samson's recent achievements, experience, and ability to deliver under pressure make his case difficult to ignore in the T20I team. Since India's T20I team entered a new era, the team management must find the right balance between youth and experience to make a stronger comeback after the UK tour disappointment.
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