Dinesh Karthik Questions Sanju Samson's Role in India's T20 Blueprint
Former India keeper Dinesh Karthik has raised concerns over Sanju Samson's uncertain spot in the T20 squad despite his recent T20 World Cup performances.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has voiced strong reservations regarding Sanju Samson's placement in the national T20 side, calling for greater clarity over the middle-order batter's long-term role.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance and making critical contributions during India's T20 World Cup 2026 journey, Samson has continuously found himself rotated out of the playing XI as team management explores alternative combinations.
Speaking on Samson's predicament, Karthik highlighted the mental strain and inconsistency that arises when aggressive stroke-makers are subjected to sporadic opportunities rather than extended runs in the side.
Karthik noted that dynamic batters require consistent backing to settle into their roles, emphasizing that dropping a player after isolated failures can impede their growth and confidence at the highest level.
With intense competition for top and middle-order spots in India's T20 roster, specialized batters have frequently faced tactical reshuffles to accommodate multi-skilled options and all-rounders.
While Samson's destructive ball-striking capabilities are well recognized across the cricket fraternity, management's preference for tactical flexibility has often left the Kerala skipper on the sidelines.
As Team India charts its tactical path for future T20 assignments, Karthik maintained that clear communication between the team leadership and players remains imperative to maximize individual potential.