Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath has backed Sanju Samson to play ahead of Ishan Kishan in the T20 World Cup 2026. Badrinath reckons Tilak Varma should replace Ishan Kishan at number three in the T20I showpiece whereas Samson should continue opening the innings.

Pressure is rising on Samson as Ishan Kishan has grabbed his chance with both hands while batting at number three. Kishan has returned with scores of 8, 76 and 28 against the Kiwis. On the other hand, Samson has managed 10, 6, and 0 in the first three games against the Blackcaps.

Badrinath said on Star Sports, “It’s about time the Indian team makes a decision. If Sanju Samson is going to open in the World Cup, which I think he will, he should play in both the remaining games ( against NZ). They won’t make a change just for these two matches. Even if Tilak Varma comes, his position is No.3. So, he should come in place of Ishan Kishan.”

“This is the process I’ll follow because he (Samson) needs confidence. If there is one person in the Indian team searching for confidence, it’s Sanju Samson, given he’s going to be your keeper for the World Cup. So I won’t push the panic button just yet. He’s a good player, which is why you’ve selected and backed him.”

Badrinath backed Samson to come good in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Samson has been a bit inconsistent and would look to deliver the goods in the last two games against the Kiwis.

“Cometh the hour, he’ll come good. So I won’t dig in too much. T20 cricket is a high-risk game. Many players are in very good form, whereas Sanju hasn’t scored in a couple of games. That’s fine, without digging in too much, it’s best to stick to the process and back him,” said Badrinath (via the aforementioned source).

The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.