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Ravichandran Ashwin’s reaction to India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement carried more than routine approval. The former India spinner appeared genuinely delighted by one name in particular, Sanju Samson, finally earning the selectors’ trust after years of uncertainty in the shortest format.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Sanju Samson’s long-awaited T20 World Cup call-up
Ashwin took to X and summed up his feelings in a message that resonated deeply with fans who have watched Samson’s stop-start T20I journey.
“Title defence loading. Superb squad. Great to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju, who will now rightfully open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta!”
The post was brief, but telling. It reflected Ashwin’s confidence in the squad, his approval of Samson’s role at the top of the order, and perhaps a sense of vindication for a player long shuffled despite consistent returns.
A bond forged in the IPL
Ashwin and Samson’s relationship dates back to their Rajasthan Royals days. When Samson took over as captain ahead of the 2022 IPL season, Ashwin was part of his trusted core — a thinker backing a leader still finding his voice.
One from Chennai. One from Thiruvananthapuram. Different paths, same wavelength. Over the years, Ashwin has repeatedly spoken up for Samson whenever doubts surfaced, and this endorsement felt personal as much as professional.
Post the 2024 T20 World Cup and the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Samson’s stocks rose sharply. Given an opening role, he delivered emphatically:
559 runs in 18 matches
Average: 32.88
Strike rate: 178
Yet, clarity remained elusive. Samson was shuffled down the order, benched, and eventually dropped as Shubman Gill was backed heavily and even handed the vice-captaincy. Once again, the door seemed shut.
The script changed when Gill’s form dipped and injury intervened. Samson got a solitary chance — the fifth T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad — and grabbed it with a brisk 22-ball 37.
Also Read: ‘Pick form, not reputation’: Sunil Gavaskar backs Ishan Kishan, explains Gill snub
Opportunity, not immunity
Samson’s return doesn’t guarantee comfort. Ishan Kishan looms large after a sensational Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading Jharkhand to a maiden title while scoring over 500 runs in 10 matches.
But with Abhishek Sharma set to partner him at the top, Samson finally has role clarity — something that has eluded him for most of his T20I career. If the combination clicks, India’s top order suddenly looks fearless and explosive.
And if that happens, Ashwin’s words, “title defence loading” — may turn out to be prophecy rather than optimism.
