Former India batter Suresh Raina has come out strongly in support of Sanju Samson, urging the Indian team management to remain patient with the wicketkeeper-batter despite his recent struggles.
Samson’s numbers since early 2025 have not been impressive, with the right-hander averaging below expectations in white-ball cricket. However, Raina believes form is temporary and quality players deserve extended backing at the international level.
Drawing parallels with past examples, Raina pointed out how players like Suryakumar Yadav were given time to find rhythm before flourishing. He insisted that Samson has the talent and temperament to bounce back, saying his natural ability cannot be ignored because of a brief lean patch. According to Raina, Samson remains a “class player” who can change games single-handedly when he finds momentum.
“You Have to Trust Quality Players”
Raina stressed that international cricket demands faith in match-winners, especially with a major ICC event approaching. He highlighted Samson’s skill against both pace and spin, noting that his attacking intent suits the modern T20 format perfectly. “You have to trust quality players,” Raina said, adding that chopping and changing too often can dent a player’s confidence.
The former all-rounder further explained that Samson’s wicketkeeping ability adds balance to the side, giving India more flexibility in team selection. Raina maintained that experience in pressure situations matters greatly in global tournaments, and players like Samson, who have been part of the setup for years, understand those demands well. He emphasized that backing such players could pay dividends when it matters the most.
Raina Picks India’s Top Four for T20 World Cup
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026, Raina also shared his vision for India’s top-order combination. He underlined the importance of a solid and explosive top four that can dominate powerplays and control the middle overs. While naming his preferred batters, Raina focused on players who can adapt quickly and play fearless cricket.
According to him, India’s success in the tournament will largely depend on how effectively the top order sets the platform. Raina reiterated that clarity in roles and consistent selection will be crucial as the team prepares for the marquee event. With the World Cup on the horizon, his comments send a clear message: patience, trust, and continuity could be the keys to India’s T20 ambitions.
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