Unfortunately, Sanju Samson’s story is over for the time being

Former India player Aakash Chopra has opined that Ishan Kishan has sealed his spot as an opener in the Men in Blue’s starting XI for the T20 World Cup 2026. He noted that Sanju Samson would have to wait on the sidelines, just like he did during India’s victorious campaign in the last edition of the global event.

While Kishan smashed 103 runs off 43 deliveries, Samson was dismissed for a run-a-ball six as India set New Zealand a mammoth 272-run target in the fifth T20I in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 31. The hosts then bowled the visitors out for 225 to register a 46-run win and bag the series 4-1.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ the former India opener reckoned that Kishan has cemented his place as an opener in the T20 World Cup defending champions’ preferred XI ahead of Samson.

“Ishan Kishan is a certainty. Now he will only play in the XI. Unfortunately, Sanju Samson’s story is over for the time being. He went for the last World Cup as well, but didn’t play. He won’t start this World Cup either in the playing XI. This has been confirmed,” he said.

Chopra added that Kishan is reaping the rewards for his hard work.

“When God is writing your fate, he just asks you to work hard and see what he does. That is happening with Ishan Kishan at the moment. The hard work he did, he was away from the Indian team for three years, he is getting all of that back with dividends. He scored a century,” he added.

Aakash Chopra pointed out that Ishan Kishan donning the wicketkeeping gloves during New Zealand’s chase implies that he would open with Abhishek Sharma at the start of the T20 World Cup 2026. While observing that the only question could be about opening with two left-handed batters, he highlighted that two right-handed batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, had opened in the last edition of the tournament.

“You were dependent on a lot of people” – Aakash Chopra on Ishan Kishan’s comeback

In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that Ishan Kishan has staged a sensational comeback, considering the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter had endured a tough time and was dependent on others to regain his place.

“This comeback story is one for the ages. He was in oblivion. The central contract was also taken away. He asked for a mental break. Then he said he was ready, but nobody was listening. However, suddenly things change, and you find yourself in the center of the action, and in that too, you were dependent on a lot of people,” he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that Kishan made the most of Sanju Samson’s below-par performances and Tilak Varma’s unavailability due to injury.

“You were dependent on Sanju Samson’s form and Tilak Varma’s injury. Both things go in your favor. It was a century of timing that converted an opportunity into an excellent outcome. It was a century that came under pressure in an audition before the World Cup. The century came at the right time and in a brilliant fashion,” Chopra observed.

Ishan Kishan struck six fours and 10 sixes during his 103-run knock in the fifth T20I against New Zealand. He was awarded the Player of the Match for his blazing century.