Sanju Samson’s T20I career has had as many highs and lows as the Sensex on a day the Finance Minister presents the Union Budget. And once again, the debate has returned: should India persist with the experienced wicketkeeper-batter, or give teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi an opportunity in Wednesday’s fourth T20I against West Indies?
Samson’s career has been a rollercoaster, but his numbers in 2026 tell a more complicated story than his critics might suggest. He has scored 604 runs in 16 T20I innings this year, averaging 40.27 at a strike rate of 186.42, with six half-centuries.
His performances at the T20 World Cup were instrumental in India’s title-winning campaign. Samson struck three consecutive half-centuries, including scores of 97 against West Indies and 89 each against England and New Zealand in the semi-final and final.
Yet, the concern is what happens between those memorable performances. In the ongoing series against West Indies, Samson has registered scores of 11, 82 and 3. The commanding innings of 82 demonstrated his ability to dismantle an attack, but the other two outings have revived questions about his consistency.
So, how much longer should the team management persist with Samson when an exciting alternative is waiting on the bench?
Vaibhav, just 15, has already made a compelling case for himself. His latest five T20I innings read 15, 38, 81, 20 and 50. That is two half-centuries and a useful 38, with the teenager demonstrating an ability to score quickly against international attacks.
His IPL 2026 campaign was even more spectacular. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Vaibhav amassed 776 runs in 16 matches at a staggering strike rate of 237.31, hitting 72 sixes. He won both the Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player awards, underlining why Indian cricket sees him as a potential superstar.
Of course, replacing Samson is not a decision to be taken lightly. His experience, wicketkeeping and proven match-winning ability remain valuable assets. Moreover, his overall numbers this year suggest that a prolonged slump would be an inaccurate description of his form.
But selection is also about timing, competition and the future. With India leading the five-match series 2-1 after their 14-run victory in Indore, the fourth T20I offers an opportunity to experiment without losing sight of the immediate objective.
Samson’s career has often resembled a Bollywood romance, complete with unexpected reunions, tragic separations and occasional resurrections. Will the drama continue, or will Vaibhav finally get his superstar entry? India’s next selection call could provide the answer.
