Gavaskar's Selection Verdict: Samson's World Cup Prospects Dim Amidst Form Slump
In a decisive commentary on India's T20 World Cup selection calculus, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has cast significant doubt on Sanju Samson's inclusion in the starting XI. The analysis follows Samson's underwhelming performance in the fifth T20I against New Zealand, where he failed to capitalize on a home-ground advantage during a prolonged lean patch. Gavaskar's assessment highlights a critical juncture for the wicketkeeper-batter, juxtaposing his struggles against the explosive form demonstrated by Ishan Kishan—who registered a blistering century—and the consistent excellence of Suryakumar Yadav. This development signals intensifying competition for middle-order slots, with Gavaskar's authoritative hint suggesting organizational patience may be waning. The implication extends beyond a single match, pointing to potential strategic recalibrations as selectors finalize the squad for the global tournament. Samson's technical response and mental fortitude in upcoming fixtures will now be scrutinized under a high-stakes microscope, determining whether he can reclaim his position in a fiercely contested batting lineup.