Suresh Raina Backs Sanju Samson to End India’s T20 World Cup Century Wait

Suresh Raina believes Sanju Samson can score a century for India at the T20 World Cup 2026 and end a 16-year wait.

Former India batter Suresh Raina has backed Sanju Samson to end India’s long wait for a T20 World Cup century. Raina remains the only Indian to score a hundred in the tournament. He believes Samson can become the second at the 2026 edition.

Samson features in India’s squad for the 20-team T20 World Cup starting February 7. He is expected to open the batting alongside world number one T20I batter Abhishek Sharma. Samson has scored three T20I centuries in 55 matches for India so far.

Despite his numbers, Samson is facing pressure after modest returns in the first four T20Is against New Zealand. Ishan Kishan’s recent form has also raised selection debate. Raina defended Samson strongly and highlighted his long-term record. He pointed to how Suryakumar Yadav received backing during a lean run in 2025 before returning to form. Raina feels that similar support can help Samson.

“Sanju Samson can be in that list. He (Samson) opens the batting and has the ability (to score 100). He has already scored a century (two) in South Africa. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are also there. One of them can make it. But somehow, I think Sanju can make a century in this T20 World Cup,” Raina said.

“I think form is temporary. Sanju has that class. He has done it (score runs) over the years, whether he is playing for India or not. He has made a lot of runs in T20 cricket. Look at Suryakumar Yadav. He hasn’t scored runs in almost one year. But still, the coach backed him. I think the same story is with Sanju. If he gets a chance, he will definitely do well,” he added.

Tilak Varma Earns Praise for Handling Pressure

Suresh Raina then praised Tilak Varma and backed him to play a key role at the T20 World Cup 2026. Raina said the left-handed batter from Hyderabad handles pressure well and shows maturity beyond his experience.

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“I think he is an absolutely solid player. The way he handles the pressure. The way he has become a fearless player. We saw him in the Asia Cup, the way he played against Pakistan, and he scored two centuries in South Africa. He’s a brilliant gun fielder. I see myself in him,” he said.

“He (Tilak) bats very, very deep and has a very good mind to read the situation. He knows how to bat with a tailender. I think he’s going to be the next superstar for India. He has the class, he has the patience, and he has the hunger to make runs. He can take a match from any situation. I think he loves playing for India,” Raina added.

Varun Chakaravarthy is a Match-Winner, Says Raina

Raina also underlined the importance of Varun Chakaravarthy in the tournament. He said Varun’s 24 balls in the middle overs could shape India’s campaign. Raina feels batters still struggle to read Varun’s variations.

“I think Varun’s 24 balls will decide the trophy for India. His every over will be very important for India, and it will be interesting to see where he bowls. I would give him the sixth over so that he can dismiss a big batter. I think batsmen haven’t been able to read him yet and he’s going to give us a World Cup this year,” the former cricketer concluded.