In a colossal leadership twist, the Kerala and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has emerged as one of the top candidates to become the T20I captain of the India National Cricket Team.
According to a latest report in Dainik Jagran, Sanju Samson has impressed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee, which is led by Ajit Agarkar, with his performances in the T20I format.
Sanju Samson set to become India T20I captain
Samson recently won the Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup 2026 after missing the initial matches due to a lean patch and played a key role in India’s triumph.
He was not India’s first choice at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the team management preferred Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as the openers. However, after a tactical change made by Gautam Gambhir & Co., Sanju Samson was added back to the playing XI.
Samson made the most of the opportunities he got and smashed 97* runs in a must-win match against West Indies National Cricket Team and followed it up with impressive 89s against England National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team in the final.
As per the report, Sanju Samson might take over the India T20I leadership in the next series against Ireland and England after the Indian Premier League 2026.
If that doesn’t happen, current skipper Suryakumar Yadav might be given one last chance to lead India and his form would be closely monitored, with Sanju Samson being named his deputy.
Why Ajit Agarkar dumped Shreyas Iyer?
Earlier, reports suggested that Shreyas Iyer is the frontrunner to replace Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I skipper, but there is one major thing that goes completely against him – not being part of T20 Internationals setup fot a long time.
The BCCI selection committee don’t like the fact that Iyer has not been part of the T20I setup for a long time and on the other hand, they have Sanju Samson, who has been thriving in the format.
Firstly, Ajit Agarkar & Co. want Iyer to earn a place in the T20I side, only then they will think about handing him over the captaincy of the Indian T20I Team.
More to follow….
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah OUT! Mohammed Shami likely to make India comeback after IPL 2026