Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has advised Sanju Samson not to copy Abhishek Sharma and instead focus on playing his natural game. Samson, dismissed for a golden duck in India’s latest T20I, has scored just 16 runs across three matches in 2026, continuing a worrying slump ahead of the T20 World Cup.
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In contrast, Abhishek Sharma continued his blistering run, smashing a fifty in just 14 balls as India cruised to an eight-wicket victory. Samson’s struggles have been apparent over the last nine innings as an opener, scoring just 104 runs at an average of 11.55 and a strike rate of 133.33.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Rahane stressed the importance of backing Samson, who is expected to remain India’s opener for the series and the upcoming World Cup. “When you have a partner like Abhishek Sharma going really strong, it naturally puts pressure on the other batter to match that rate. Sanju Samson just needs to stick to his game plan and back himself,” Rahane said.
Rahane highlighted Samson’s performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where the wicketkeeper-batter scored 233 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 137.86. He urged the team management to provide Samson with clear communication and freedom to express his game. “Sanju is a quality player and a match-winner. He just needs to back himself and play his own style,” Rahane added.
On how Samson can regain form, Rahane suggested starting with smaller, controlled knocks to rebuild rhythm. “He should go out there expressing himself, aiming for 15-ball 25s or 20-ball 30s. Spend a little more time at the crease and then take the game on,” Rahane advised.
With the series already secured and the action moving to Vizag for the fourth T20I, the question remains whether India will stick with Samson at the top of the order or bring in the returning Tilak Varma.
