That combination left Samson on the sidelines for this particular match, even though he remains part of India’s broader World Cup plans.
🔍 The Official Reason: Team Combination & Form
Despite being part of India’s 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 , Sanju Samson was not named in the playing XI for India’s match against the United States at Wankhede Stadium . Team management opted for a different batting combination — opening with Ishan Kishan alongside Abhishek Sharma — instead of Samson. This was a tactical decision rooted in current form and balance rather than injury or disciplinary reasons. At the toss, captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Samson would be on the bench , underlining that the team’s strategy and player roles influenced the pick. 🏏 Why Ishan Kishan Got the Nod The primary reason Samson missed out was Ishan Kishan’s red-hot form heading into the tournament. Kishan had a strong recent T20I series, including a maiden T20I hundred against New Zealand and impactful hitting in warm-ups, making him a compelling choice as an opener. Samson’s batting form, by contrast, had lacked significant recent impact, leaving selectors to back the in-form Kis…
