Why Ravi Shastri Wants Sanju Samson as T20I Skipper
1 min read
Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri isn’t mincing words: Sanju Samson is primed to take over T20 captaincy post-Suryakumar Yadav. Shastri points to Samson’s IPL leadership with Rajasthan Royals, where he captained five seasons and reached the 2022 final, as key preparation for the national role.
Samson’s 2026 T20 World Cup heroics stole the show. Power-packed performances in semis and final earned him top tournament honors, signaling his leadership potential. Shastri views this as the launchpad for greater responsibilities.
‘Icc Review’ host Shastri said, ‘2028 World Cup could demand a new captain based on SKY’s trajectory. Sanju’s RR experience, top-order danger, and growth trajectory make him ready. He’s just warming up.’
Now 31, Samson has transformed perceptions with consistent brilliance, including three half-centuries in India’s World Cup win. Shastri dismissed past doubts: ‘Capability was never the issue; execution was. Now, post-World Cup, his IPL maturity and solo wins in knockouts prove he’s captaincy material.’
Samson’s ability to manage pressure, from IPL finals to global pressure-cookers, bolsters his case. As India builds for future T20 dominance, Shastri’s endorsement highlights Samson as the wicketkeeper-batsman ready to lead.
