Sanju Samson's brief spark amidst India's unfinished T20I puzzle

Before the Ahmedabad T20I, Sanju Samson had faced South Africa four times in T20Is. Each time he avoided a duck, he scored a century against them. The stage seemed set for another big performance, but sports often defy scripted narratives.

Early signs were promising. In the fourth over, Samson lofted Ottneil Baartman for a boundary, moving to 16 off 8 balls. A scratchy start was transitioning into something significant.

Samson replaced Shubman Gill, who injured his foot in the nets before the previous match and was ruled out of the series. Fog in Lucknow denied Samson a batting opportunity there, making Ahmedabad his only chance in the series—a familiar scenario in his decade-long international career, where chances have often been sporadic.

Since Suryakumar Yadav became captain in July 2024, Samson has played 27 of his 52 T20Is, scoring three centuries and finding form. Yet, he made way for Gill at the top and, in this series, for Jitesh Sharma in the finisher’s role.

Samson’s break came at an opportune time. Gill has struggled for runs, and an out-of-form Suryakumar has added to India’s top-order concerns. While Abhishek Sharma’s red-hot form has mitigated these issues, the spotlight remains on the lineup’s weak links—where Samson could offer a solution, especially in supporting Abhishek, who has carried the PowerPlay scoring burden.

On Friday, Samson didn’t hold back despite early edges. He resumed aggressively, hitting a six over long-on in the second over. Crisp boundaries followed—one down the ground, another six over mid-wicket. He took risks, attacked fielders in the deep, and even survived a leading edge. During his innings, he outscored and outpaced Abhishek, India’s current best T20 batter—a rare feat.

Just as he seemed in control, George Linde delivered a ball that pitched on middle and held its line, knocking over the stumps. Samson’s stay ended abruptly at 37 off 22 balls, a promising innings cut short.

An early dismissal might have resolved the Samson-Gill dilemma for team management. A big score would have strengthened Samson’s case. Instead, a 22-ball 37 leaves questions unanswered.

Samson’s innings didn’t harm his prospects but may not have strengthened them either—a type of contribution seen often in the IPL, possibly hindering his national team progression. Gill’s form hasn’t justified his selection over Samson, and Jitesh Sharma lacked opportunities to impress.

With India’s top order burdened by underperforming players, how tempting is Samson’s recall? His innings gives selectors a headache—but is it enough to present a clear solution, or did he squander the chance?

Despite another disappointing outing for Suryakumar on a flat track, the team’s machinery functions, but one concern persists: how long can India resist fixing it?

With five T20Is left before the World Cup, answers may come soon. Samson has reminded everyone—if needed—that he could be the fix for India’s biggest concern heading into the mega-tournament.