Sanju Samson's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad marks a significant moment in his international career, but

also comes with a clear challenge: to translate potential into consistent, match-winning performances. While former

India selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth lauded Samson's recent innings in Ahmedabad, he also issued a crucial reminder

about the importance of converting starts into substantial scores.

Samson's innings of 37, played after a seven-game absence and just before the World Cup squad announcement, proved

pivotal in securing his place. This performance gained even greater significance considering the surprise omission of

Shubman Gill, who had previously replaced Samson as Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner. Gill's struggle to solidify his

position, marked by a lack of half-centuries in 15 innings and a toe injury that sidelined him from the South Africa

series, ultimately contributed to his exclusion.

Srikkanth emphasized that while Samson's stroke-making ability is undeniable, consistency is key. He pointed out that

impactful scores are remembered, while promising cameos are often forgotten. This highlights the pressure on Samson to

capitalize on his opportunities and establish himself as a reliable contributor to the team. The focus shifts from

showcasing talent to delivering tangible results.

The context of Samson's selection also reveals the competitive nature of securing a spot in the Indian team. Gill’s

inability to convert opportunities opened the door for Samson, demonstrating that consistent performance outweighs past

potential. This underscores the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, particularly in a high-stakes

environment like international cricket.

Beyond individual performances, Srikkanth also highlighted the potential of India's batting lineup. He specifically

mentioned Hardik Pandya's explosive batting and Suryakumar Yadav's ability to dominate, suggesting that a fully firing

Indian batting order could be a formidable force in the tournament. The overall strength of the batting lineup further

emphasizes the need for Samson to contribute meaningfully, as his performance will be crucial in complementing the other

key players.

Ultimately, Samson's World Cup journey is about more than just selection; it's about proving his ability to perform

consistently under pressure and contribute significantly to India's success. The challenge lies in transforming

promising starts into match-defining innings, solidifying his place in the team and silencing any doubts about his

ability to deliver on the international stage.