Following low scores across the Asian Games where he managed outputs of 9, 7, and 2 runs, India opener Sanju Samson faces pressure over his inconsistent form following a low score against West Indies, with former cricketer Hanuma Vihari attributing the struggles to insecurity caused by intense competition for team selection ahead of upcoming fixtures on October 8, 2026.
The spotlight on India’s top order intensified following the opening T20 international against West Indies, where the team secured an eight-wicket victory while the wicketkeeper-batter fell cheaply for 11 runs. Despite the emphatic chase of a 171-run target powered by a century from captain Shreyas Iyer and an unbeaten partnership with Ishan Kishan, the performance of the opener triggered fresh debate across cricket circles.
Hanuma Vihari Attributes Form Slump to Intense Selection Pressure
Analyzing the recurring dips in performance, former Test player Hanuma Vihari addressed the mental toll of fighting for a permanent spot in the national squad. Samson finished as a standout contributor during India’s T20 World Cup campaign, but his output across subsequent international appearances has dipped, including low scores during the Asian Games where he managed outputs of 9, 7, and 2 runs. Following the T20 World Cup, Samson played 11 matches and crossed 50 runs in just two innings while failing to fire in the remaining nine. Vihari noted that external critics or those who do not play the game may not fully grasp the intensity of this mental pressure.
Hanuma Vihari asked, Even if he doesn't perform, how long will they keep giving opportunities to Sanju Samson?
Vihari noted that the intense environment within the national setup creates an underlying sense of vulnerability when emerging talents push for selection.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth Questions Long-Term Backing Amid Rising Bench Strength
Adding to the scrutiny, former selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth emphasized that past tournament heroics cannot indefinitely shield a player from consistency requirements.
With young contenders such as Sooryavanshi gaining attention, analysts point out that the team management faces difficult decisions regarding how much runway to provide players experiencing prolonged slumps while others wait for an opening in the starting XI.
Sanju Samson Responds With Aggressive Counter-Punch in Ranchi
Following criticism over his early dismissal in the series opener, Samson delivered an aggressive counter-punch during the second encounter against West Indies in Ranchi on October 10, 2026. Blasting 82 runs from just 41 deliveries with nine boundaries and four sixes, he anchored a massive team total of 249 runs, though West Indies ultimately chased the target behind an unbeaten century from Shai Hope.
There is nothing like that. As a cricketer representing the Indian team, we must focus on the training, practice, and preparation that are in our hands. In this T20 format, the match result is not in our hands. Sanju
Addressing broadcasters after his explosive knock, the veteran batter dismissed suggestions that he altered his fundamental approach due to external noise, stressing that his priority remains aggressive intent for the collective good of the side.
Just because I didn't score runs in three innings, thinking that I should take more time at the crease and play only after settling in is not the right approach. Because the team's interests are always the first priority. If I fail, I will hold myself responsible for it and not blame anyone else. Every time I step onto the stadium, I try to execute my responsibility effectively. Sanju