Sunil Gavaskar Delivers Blunt Verdict: Pick Ishan Kishan Over Sanju Samson

Sunil Gavaskar has urged India to pick Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson for the T20 World Cup, citing poor form and no room for risks in big tournaments.

India completed a strong home T20I series against New Zealand, winning 4–1 and strengthening their ICC World Cup chances. The results answered most questions but opened one key debate around the opening slot. The team must now decide between Sanju Samson and the in-form Ishan Kishan.

Samson returned as an opener before the series but struggled throughout. He scored 46 runs across five innings and did not pass 25 even once. He also failed to bat beyond the powerplay in every match. His form has become a concern ahead of a major tournament.

Kishan, meanwhile, made a strong case after returning to the setup. Batting at number three, he scored 215 runs in four innings. His tally included a fifty and a century. The hundred came in the final match at Thiruvananthapuram.

Former captain Sunil Gavaskar backed Kishan’s inclusion. He felt the current form must guide selection. Gavaskar suggested that unless Tilak Varma is unavailable, Samson may struggle to make the playing XI for the World Cup opener on February 7.

“It’s very difficult to drop him. And drop him for whom? Tilak Varma is a proven performer at this level. Sanju Samson is also a proven performer, but he’s not in form. This has nothing to do with ability or temperament, sometimes form deserts you. In a big tournament like the World Cup, you can’t take chances. He’s had all five matches, his highest score is 24, and he’s been getting out in odd ways. That shows a lack of confidence. Unless Tilak Varma isn’t fit, I can’t see Sanju being part of the XI on February 7,” Gavaskar told the broadcaster.

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Ishan Kishan featured in the series only because Tilak Varma remained unavailable due to injury. Tilak has been sidelined for nearly a month after undergoing surgery following a Ranji Trophy injury in early January. He has resumed batting and is expected to return after two warm-up matches before the World Cup.

The update has created a selection puzzle for India’s top order. After the fifth T20I, captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided giving clarity on the final call. He said all 15 squad members remain in contention and selection will depend on fitness and form. India begins their World Cup campaign against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.