Ishan Kishan vs Sanju Samson: Cricket fans, the excitement is building fast! With the T20 World Cup 2026 kicking off on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, one big question is stealing the spotlight: Who should open alongside Abhishek Sharma — Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson?
Samson started as the clear favorite and first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. But Kishan’s red-hot form in January 2026 has flipped the script. The recent five-match T20I series against New Zealand turned into a real shootout for that opening slot, and Kishan came out swinging — literally!
Recent Form in the NZ Series (January 2026)
This series was basically a head-to-head trial. Here’s how the numbers stack up:
| Feature | Ishan Kishan | Sanju Samson |
|---|---|---|
| Series Runs | 215 runs (4 innings) | 46 runs (5 innings) |
| Series Strike Rate | 231.18 | ~120.00 |
| Top Score | 103 (43 balls) in 5th T20I | 24 (15 balls) in 4th T20I |
| Form Summary | Terrific – maiden T20I ton + quick fifty | Struggling – scores like 10, 6, 0, 24, 6 |
Kishan was unstoppable! He smashed his first T20I century — a blazing 103 off just 43 balls (with 10 sixes) — in the final match at Thiruvananthapuram. That knock helped India post a huge total and seal the series 4-1. Meanwhile, Samson looked out of sorts, unable to find any rhythm.
Ishan Kishan vs Sanju Samson Career T20I Stats
Samson has played more games and has that extra experience, but Kishan’s recent surge has made things super close.
| Statistic | Ishan Kishan | Sanju Samson |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 36 | 57 |
| Runs | 1,011 | 1,078 |
| Average | 28.88 | 24.36 |
| Strike Rate | 137.92 | 147.46 |
| Centuries | 1 (Jan 2026) | 3 (all in 2024) |
| Fifties | 7 | 3 |
Samson once ruled the headlines by hitting three T20I centuries in 2024 — the first player ever to do that in a single year. But he hasn’t crossed 50 in over a year now. Kishan? He just delivered the fastest T20I ton by an Indian against New Zealand!
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Other Key Factors in Ishan Kishan vs Sanju Samson Debate
- Domestic Power: Kishan bossed the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading Jharkhand to the title as the top run-scorer (517 runs at a crazy 197.32 strike rate). Samson had a solid IPL 2025 (285 runs in 9 games) but hasn’t shown that match-winning spark lately.
- Team Balance: Samson brings a right-hand option to mix with lefty Abhishek Sharma. Still, experts like Kris Srikkanth call Kishan’s explosive left-hand style “undroppable” right now.
- The Big Verdict: Form is king in T20s, especially before a World Cup. Kishan’s 215 runs in 4 innings vs Samson’s 46 in 5 makes it hard to ignore. Kishan looks like the man to open against Namibia or USA in those early group games.
India’s squad (captained by Suryakumar Yadav) has both keepers, so the team has options. But right now, Ishan Kishan feels like the hotter pick — full of confidence and ready to explode.
What do you think? Is Kishan snatching that spot for good, or will Samson bounce back? The World Cup starts soon — drop your take below!
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