Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his concerns over the Indian team management’s decision to push Sanju Samson down the batting order to accommodate Shubman Gill in the playing XI. Samson, a talented wicket-keeper, saw his momentum suffer when he was demoted from his opening role ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup campaign.
However, Samson fought his way back and made a statement with a match-winning, unbeaten 97 against the West Indies, propelling India to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. Despite a lackluster performance in the middle order, the selectors reinstated him at the top before the World Cup, but he struggled to find his rhythm.
Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized the importance of avoiding such selection mistakes in the future. He highlighted Samson’s unique ability to play big shots without compromising on his technique, unlike some of the younger batters trying to force the T20 game into their style.
Samson’s resurgence was evident in recent matches against Namibia and Zimbabwe, but he truly shone in the crucial clash against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Facing a daunting target of 196 runs, India’s batting lineup, under pressure of elimination and the expectations of the home crowd, delivered a remarkable performance to achieve the third-highest run chase in T20 World Cup history.
Reflecting on the tense match, Sanjay Manjrekar admitted to being worried at the halfway stage but praised India’s resilience in overcoming the challenge. With this victory, Team India secured a spot in the semi-finals for the sixth time and will face England at the Wankhede Stadium in the upcoming match on Thursday, March 5.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming clash, it is crucial for the team management to heed Manjrekar’s advice and ensure that the right players are in the right positions to maximize their potential. Samson’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of backing talent and allowing players to thrive in their natural roles. With the semi-finals looming, India will look to build on their recent success and continue their quest for T20 World Cup glory.
