The competition for a spot in India’s T20I squad has become more intense, with wicketkeeper-batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan emerging as prominent contenders.

Both players made headlines during the recent Duleep Trophy, each notching a century. However, Samson outshone Kishan by scoring an impressive 196 runs compared to Kishan’s 123 runs over four innings for India D and India C.

Despite this outstanding performance, there are lingering questions about whether these runs can overshadow Samson’s disappointing showing in his last two T20Is against Sri Lanka, where he scored two ducks.

Samson’s recent success in the Duleep Trophy puts him in a favorable position for a potential recall. 

His consistent run-scoring ability and the depth of his performance may make the selectors reconsider their options for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. 

Nonetheless, the battle for a spot in the squad is fierce, leaving the selectors with a challenging decision ahead.

On the flip side, Kishan’s recent performances are also noteworthy. He adhered to the selectors’ request to participate in domestic cricket, which has sparked speculation about a possible return to the national team. 

Before being sidelined nearly a year ago—due to factors unrelated to his on-field performance—Kishan had nearly secured his place in India’s white-ball lineup. 

His consistency had previously earned him a spot in the 50-over World Cup squad, highlighting his potential to positively influence the team.

Kishan’s selection for the Irani Cup squad is a significant development, though it may postpone his return to the national side. 

Meanwhile, Samson has not been included in the Irani Cup fixture scheduled from October 1-5 in Lucknow, which ends just a day before the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on October 6. 

While selectors can pull players from domestic matches for international duty, current indications suggest that Samson is being favored for the T20I series.

With 30 T20Is under his belt, Samson could be called to open the innings, a position he previously held during the series against Sri Lanka, albeit with limited success. 

The need for an opener is crucial, especially since the selectors are likely to prioritize Test duties and rest players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who opened during the T20Is in Sri Lanka. 

This scenario could pave the way for newcomers such as Sai Sudharsan, who had a brief stint in a T20I against Zimbabwe in July and is also part of the Irani squad.

Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership will be vital in the upcoming T20I series, with Hardik Pandya also playing a key role in the squad. 

As the series unfolds, starting with the first T20I on October 6 in Gwalior, followed by matches on October 9 in New Delhi and October 12 in Hyderabad, selectors will need to balance performances from domestic cricket with the historical data and experience of players like Samson and Kishan.

Ultimately, the outcome of whether Sanju Samson will surpass Ishan Kishan for a spot in the T20I squad remains uncertain. 

However, Samson’s current form and experience, combined with Kishan’s determination to reclaim his place, promise to keep fans eagerly anticipating the series. 

The stakes are high, and both players are eager to showcase their skills on the international stage.