Ashwin Lauds India’s T20 WC Squad For 2026; Backs Samson, Ishan Kishan For Comeback

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates Sanju Samson’s selection as India’s likely opening batter for the upcoming tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his happiness at fellow cricketer Sanju Samson’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Samson’s opportunity comes as Shubman Gill was left out of the team, opening a spot at the top of the batting order alongside Abhishek Sharma. Ashwin referred to Samson affectionately as ‘thambi’, meaning younger brother in Tamil, in his supportive message.

Samson was India’s highest run-scorer in T20Is last year but had faced competition for his place. With Gill’s omission and the selection of wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, Samson is now poised to focus on his primary role as a destructive opening batsman.

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“Title defence loading. Superb squad. Great to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju, who will now rightfully open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta! Huge applause for Ishan 👏👏, who showed his hunger by grinding hard in the domestic circuit,” Ashwin tweeted on Saturday afternoon.

The squad also features Rinku Singh, whose selection caps a remarkable rise. The finisher earned his place through consistent, powerful performances in the IPL and for India, winning the management’s trust with his calmness in high-pressure situations.