- By Abhishek Tripathi
- Sat, 09 May 2026 10:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson is the top choice to lead the side T20Is after his impressive performance in recent months. Jagran New Media understands that the BCCI selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is highly impressed with Samson’s consistency, calm approach, and leadership qualities in the shortest format of the game.
Samson's form in T20 World Cup 2026
Samson, who is currently featuring for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, played a crucial role for India in the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, where India defeated New Zealand in the final to defend the title. Even though the Kerala-born wicketkeeper batter did not get chances in the initial matches, he made a strong impact after returning to the playing XI. The team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, had earlier preferred Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as openers.
Once Samson got his opportunity, he grabbed it with both hands. He scored an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a must-win game and then followed it up with crucial innings of 89 each against England and New Zealand in the knockout stages. His performances eventually earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
Jagran New Media also understands that Samson could be given the captaincy for India’s upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England after the current IPL season.
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Suryakumar Yadav's lean patch with bat continues
Meanwhile, current T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is going through a lean patch with the bat. In the ongoing IPL 2026, he has managed only 195 runs in 10 matches at an average of 19.52. Apart from a good innings against the USA in the T20 World Cup, he has struggled to make an impact, that grew talks on his captaincy.
Why not Shreyas Iyer as T20I captain?
Shreyas Iyer was also seen as a possible option for the role. However, his absence from India’s T20I squad since December 2023 has reportedly weakened his chances. The selectors are believed to feel that Iyer should first secure his place back in the team before being considered for captaincy.
Samson's IPL performances put him strong contender to lead India
Samson’s excellent IPL season with Chennai Super Kings has further strengthened his case. Samson, who is featuring for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026, has scored 402 runs in 10 matches, including two centuries and one half-century. His previous experience of leading Rajasthan Royals is also being seen as a major advantage in the race to become India’s next T20I captain.