Ravi Shastri Backs Sanju Samson As India’s Next T20 Captain Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2028

Ravi Shastri has backed Sanju Samson as a future India T20 captain after the wicketkeeper-batter’s outstanding performances in the T20 World Cup 2026 and IPL 2026.

Following India’s successful T20 World Cup 2026 campaign at home, discussions around the future leadership of the Indian T20I side have already started gaining momentum. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has now thrown his support behind Sanju Samson as a strong candidate to eventually succeed Suryakumar Yadav as captain of the Men in Blue.

Several names, including Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya, have been linked with India’s future captaincy plans. However, Samson’s performances over the last few months have elevated him into serious contention, especially after winning the Player of the Tournament award during India’s title-winning campaign.

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The wicketkeeper-batter played a crucial role in India’s journey to the trophy, particularly during the thrilling clash against West Indies at Eden Gardens that helped India secure a semi-final berth. Samson finished the tournament with 321 runs in five innings at a staggering average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37.

Although Sahibzada Farhan ended as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, Samson’s consistency and match-winning contributions made him one of the standout performers of the event.

Ravi Shastri Explains Why Samson Fits India’s Leadership Plans

Speaking on The ICC Review alongside Sanjana Ganesan, Ravi Shastri explained why he believes Samson has developed into a genuine leadership option for India ahead of the next T20 World Cup cycle.

“India, come the next (T20) World Cup (in 2028), might be looking for a new captain, depending on how Surya goes over the next couple of years. But Sanju Samson has put himself there for a leadership role because he’s done that in the past for Rajasthan (Royals),” Shastri said, speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review.

Shastri further highlighted Samson’s aggressive batting style and his growing maturity as a player, stating that the Kerala batter can become one of India’s most important cricketers over the next few years.

“And he’s a certainty in the side, at the top of the order, extremely destructive. So I see him, this is just the start of something more you’ll see from Sanju over the next two or three years,” Shastri added.

Currently leading Chennai Super Kings’ batting unit in IPL 2026, Samson has looked far more assured and composed while handling responsibility at the top of the order.

Shastri Dismisses Concerns Around Samson’s Consistency

Despite facing criticism over inconsistency earlier in his career, Samson appears to have answered many of those doubts with his recent performances in both international cricket and the IPL.

Ravi Shastri believes the batter has now fully overcome the long-standing concerns regarding his temperament and consistency.

“I think he (Samson) has put a lid on all those question marks. There was always ability. People would, in fact, be disappointed because he wouldn’t do justice to that ability,” Shastri noted.

“But my word this season, the way he’s played after his performance in the T20 World Cup where single-handedly he almost won India games, the big games, the quarter-finals (West Indies, Super 8), semi-finals, the final, and the way he stepped up and the maturity he’s showing now in the IPL, makes him a clear case as far as I’m concerned for leadership in the future,” Shastri concluded.

During the T20 World Cup, Samson initially struggled with scores of 22 and 24 before bouncing back strongly with a sensational 97 off 50 balls against West Indies. His IPL 2026 campaign followed a similar pattern after a slow start, but he regained form with a brilliant 115 off 56 deliveries against Delhi Capitals on April 11.

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At present, Samson holds an impressive average of 53 and a strike rate of 169.29 in IPL 2026, underlining his consistency and attacking intent.