Sanju Samson Gets Backing From India Coach Amidst Tough Competition for Opener’s Spot in India Playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026

India T20I opener Sanju Samson has found backing from Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel amidst his lean patch in the ongoing IND vs NZ T20I series. Notably, the five-match series is the final dress rehearsal for the Men in Blue before they begin their title defence at the T20 World Cup 2026 from next month.

Samson has struggled to get going in the first three games against the Kiwis, managing scores of 10, 6 and 0. Furthermore, the return of Ishan Kishan in the shortest format, courtesy of a stellar domestic season and a fiery 76 in the second game against the Blackcaps have also made him a strong contender for a spot in the India Playing XI for the upcoming ICC event.

However, Morne Morkel has shown faith in Samson, claiming that he is just a knock away from turning his fortunes around.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the IND vs NZ 4th T20I, Morkel said,

“Sanju is one knock away from getting that confidence, getting that form back. For us, building up to the World Cup it’s important for the guys to find that peak performance at the right time. He’s training well, he’s hitting the ball very well.”

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Will Sanju Samson feature in India Playing XI at T20 World Cup 2026?

Sanju Samson has faced constant competition for the opener’s spot despite some promising outings. During the Asia Cup 2025, ODI and Test skipper Shubman Gill was brought back into the T20I fray and even named vice-captain. The move pushed Samson out of his regular position and he struggled in the middle order. However, a string of poor performances from Gill saw him dropped for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Nevertheless, the management decided to rope in Ishan Kishan in the World Cup squad as a backup for Sanju Samson but the left-hander’s stellar form has once again put a doubt over the latter’s place. While Samson is still the frontrunner, he will need to step up in the remaining two games against the Kiwis and give a testament to his prowess in a bid to consolidate his place in the India Playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026.

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