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Ishan Kishan vs Sanju Samson: Who's Ahead in India's Wicketkeeper Race?

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra highlights the growing gap between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson in the race for India's wicketkeeper-batter spot. Kishan has been in destructive form during the New Zealand T20I series, while Samson has repeatedly failed with the bat. Chopra suggests Samson's position in the team is becoming shaky due to his poor performances. The analyst notes a looming selection headache for India, especially with the impending return of Tilak Varma to the squad.

Key Points: Ishan Kishan Leads Sanju Samson in India's Wicketkeeper Race

  • Ishan Kishan's destructive form in NZ series
  • Sanju Samson's struggle with low scores
  • Chopra questions Samson's secure position
  • Team selection dilemma with Tilak Varma's return
2 min read

"Who is ahead in this race....?" Aakash Chopra on wicketkeeper/batter position in Indian team

Aakash Chopra analyzes the wicketkeeper battle as Ishan Kishan's form surges while Sanju Samson struggles in the NZ T20I series.

"Ishan Kishan is playing well, however much he is playing - Aakash Chopra"

New Delhi, January 26

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels wicketkeeper/batter Ishan Kishan is on a roll, playing incredibly well in the New Zealand T20I series, while Sanju Samson's recent performances haven't been great.

Ishan, who had a marvellous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 campaign with Jharkhand, leading them to their first-ever SMAT title, returned to the Indian team after last playing a T20I against Australia in late 2023.

India is currently playing with two wicketkeepers/batters, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, in the playing 11. However, due to Samson's recent struggle in the New Zealand T20I series, questions have arisen about whether he has fallen behind Kishan in the race for wicketkeeper/batter in the Indian team.

"Sanju Samson got out off the first ball. He got out in the last two matches as well, and Ishan Kishan is playing well, however much he is playing," Chopra said.

"Ishan Kishan played a short but destructive knock this time too. He batted incredibly well, and by the time his wicket fell at 53, he had made his runs, and he is not stopping anytime soon. So who is ahead in this race?" he added.

Samson has failed to even score in double digits in the ongoing NZ series; he has made only 16 runs in three matches at an average of 5, while Kishan has been destructive, smashing 112 runs in three fixtures.

Samson was dismissed for a golden duck in the third T20I on Sunday, while Kishan played a fiery cameo of 28 runs off 13 balls.

Chopra also believes Samson's position is shaky, especially with Ishan Kishan's impressive performances. Chopra suggested that India's selectors might have to choose between Samson and Kishan, especially after Tilak Varma's return to the team following injury.

"You will have to ask a question. We dropped Gill because there was a new philosophy or ideology, and went towards Sanju Samson, but it seems like you won't be able to stay with him for long. If you see their numbers lately, they seem identical," Chopra observed.

"Ishan Kishan wasn't part of your original planning. However, if Tilak becomes available for the next game, it will be a call that India must take, whether they should go with Sanju or Ishan Kishan," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a bit harsh to judge Sanju based on just 3 T20s. He was in good form before this series. Ishan is playing well, yes, but we need a larger sample size. The management should back players through a lean patch too. 🤔
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Rohit P
Ishan any day! His strike rate and intent at the top are exactly what we need for the T20 World Cup. Samson is a talented player but seems to freeze on the international stage. Tough luck, but performance has to be the only criteria.
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Ananya R
Why does it always have to be either/or? Can't we have both in the squad? Different conditions might suit different players. This constant chopping and changing isn't good for anyone's confidence.
D
David E
Watching from the UK, the depth of Indian cricket is incredible. Two fantastic wicketkeeper-batters fighting for one spot. Ishan's recent form is undeniable, he looks in a different zone. Exciting times for Indian fans!
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Sanjay N
Let's be honest, Samson's technique against quality pace bowling has always been a question mark. Ishan seems more equipped to handle it. For the long term, especially in SENA countries, Ishan might be the better bet. Hope Sanju proves me wrong!

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