Sanju Samson’s inconsistency has become a pressing concern for India’s T20 setup. Over the last four T20Is, the wicketkeeper-batter has scored just 40 runs, struggling to adapt against high-quality spin. Analysts point to poor footwork and hesitancy as primary reasons for his dismissals, particularly on turning pitches.

India’s reliance on spinners means batters must master precise foot movement, hand-eye coordination, and shot selection. Team management is closely monitoring Samson, weighing whether to continue backing his potential or give opportunities to alternatives like Ishan Kishan, who has displayed recent consistency.

In the fourth T20I against New Zealand, Samson managed only 24 runs off 15 balls before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, as reported by 8jjcricket. The match highlighted both the potency of New Zealand’s spin attack and Samson’s recurring technical issues, especially his static stance and lack of movement outside the crease. Legendary India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized his footwork, noting that hesitation and improper technique made him vulnerable to quality spin.

New Zealand posted 215/7, with Santner taking 3/26. The visitors’ spinners exploited India’s weaknesses, while the batting lineup, including Samson, failed to handle variations. This performance underscores the importance of footwork drills, mental conditioning, and match simulations for handling top-class spin.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, Samson faces a make-or-break phase. Technical refinement, proactive shot selection, and confidence-building will be crucial to secure his place in the squad and help India perform on spin-friendly tracks.