T20 World Cup 2026: 'He has a technical problem' - Sunil Gavaskar dissects Sanju Samson's flaw ahead of Pakistan clash

Former India batter Sunil Gavaskar has highlighted a technical problem in Sanju Samson’s batting methodology. His remarks come after Samson perished for an eight-ball 22 against Namibia in India’s 93-run win at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The wicketkeeper-batter lost his place to Ishan Kishan despite being the first choice in the XI in the buildup to the tournament. He came into the team against Namibia in Abhishek Sharma’s illness-enforced absence but could not make it count.

Samson looked assuredly aggressive for the umpteenth time, hitting three sixes in his brief stay, only to fall after getting a brisk and promising start. He started off with a maximum against left-arm pacer Ruben Trumplemann and then took Ben Shikongo to the cleaners, belting him 6, 6, 4 in the powerplay. Although he was undone in the same over as he chipped Shikongo’s slower one to deep midwicket to end his outing.

All through his innings, Samson’s back leg remained firmly planted, with the batter generating most of the power in his stroke through the wrists and hands. Gavaskar, however, felt that he must improve his foot movement, especially playing against the new ball.

"Sanju Samson has a technical problem. He goes too deep into the crease and plays that flick shot. You can only hope he times it into the gap or that it goes for six," Gavaskar told JioHotstar.

"He needs to make improvements, especially when he opens against the new ball. Namibia were clever with their field placements. They set a field specifically to get Samson out. But it was good that he played some nice shots – that must have given him confidence. If he plays the next match against Pakistan, he needs to spend more time at the crease."

Kuldeep Yadav could replace Arshdeep against Pakistan: Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar also gave his take on India’s bowling plans and combination, as they gear up for the clash against Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo. India have fielded only two spinners – Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel – in the two games so far. Gavaskar feels Suryakumar Yadav and Co. will look at Kuldeep Yadav at the expense of Arshdeep Singh, given the assistance for spinners in Colombo.

"Captain Suryakumar Yadav was experimenting against Namibia with the Pakistan match in mind. Hardik bowling the first over suggests Arshdeep may not play against Pakistan. Varun Chakravarthy bowled only two overs and could have taken five or six wickets had he completed his full quota. The best thing about Varun is that he takes wickets whenever he bowls. Axar Patel claimed two wickets in three overs, which is a positive sign," he said.

"All our bowlers picked up wickets. Arshdeep did not complete his four overs, while Shivam Dube bowled two and Hardik completed his quota. This indicates Kuldeep Yadav could replace Arshdeep against Pakistan. Sri Lankan pitches assist spinners and India have a history of playing three spinners. Expect Kuldeep in the XI against Pakistan in Colombo," Gavaskar concluded.