Former India coach Ravi Shastri has backed Sanju Samson as a serious candidate to captain India in T20 internationals, saying his recent performances have placed him firmly in the picture.
Shastri’s reasoning
Speaking on the International Cricket Council Review, Shastri said India may need a new captain by the next T20 World Cup, depending on how current skipper Suryakumar Yadav progresses over the next two years. He felt Samson combines explosive modern T20 batting with real leadership qualities, citing his captaincy experience at Rajasthan Royals, his destructive batting at the top of the order and his ability to perform under pressure. Shastri added that this may only be the start of an even bigger phase in his career.
A turnaround in form
Samson, who now plays for Chennai Super Kings, was once criticised for inconsistency. In India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign he scored 321 runs at a strike rate of 199.37, with match-winning innings in knockout games. That form has continued into IPL 2026, where he has hit two centuries in his first season with CSK. Shastri said he has now answered the doubts about his temperament and consistency.
Other names and upcoming games
The captaincy question remains a talking point, and Shreyas Iyer has also been linked with the role after his leadership with Punjab Kings.
India’s next T20 assignments after the IPL are a two-match series against Ireland, then a five-match series away to England starting in July.
