Dinesh Karthik says Samson could be India’s X-factor against spin

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has voiced his support for Sanju Samson amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, backing the sidelined opener for a potential return to the playing XI.

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Samson lost his opening spot to Ishan Kishan following the latter’s strong comeback to the Indian side. However, India’s campaign hit a setback after a heavy defeat to South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 22 in their opening Super 8 clash. With their semifinal hopes hanging in the balance ahead of the crucial match against Zimbabwe, questions have resurfaced over India’s top-order combination.

Abhishek Sharma’s inconsistent run throughout the tournament has added to the selection dilemma, and there is growing chatter about bringing Samson back into the XI, possibly in place of Tilak Varma, who has also struggled for impact.

Karthik sympathised with the Kerala batter and spoke warmly about the prospect of his return.

“What a beautiful story it would be if he actually ends up playing. He has had such a tough last year. I really feel for him because he was doing very well. Then Shubman Gill replaced him, and when he got another opportunity, he couldn’t quite make the most of it. But we all know Sanju Samson can be a serious weapon, especially against spin,” Karthik said on Instagram.

He also highlighted the emotional angle surrounding Samson’s recent IPL move.

“Now that he has moved from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings and become the adopted son of Chennai, the crowd there will love him. I couldn’t be happier for Sanju if he plays and performs well. He’s going to spend the next three months in Chennai, so what a comeback it would be to make it happen there,” Karthik added.

Samson has featured once in this T20 World Cup, playing against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Drafted in as a replacement for an unwell Abhishek Sharma, he made a quick impact with a brisk 22 off just eight balls.