Ravi Shastri Backs Sanju Samson for Future India T20I Captaincy

Ronav Bailey · 15/05/2026 · 2 min read

A New Era for Indian T20I Cricket

The landscape of Indian cricket is perpetually evolving, and as the dust settles on a historic T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, the focus has swiftly shifted toward the future. While Suryakumar Yadav has enjoyed a highly successful stint as captain—securing the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026 title—the selectors are already casting their eyes toward the 2028 cycle. Amidst this transition, a prominent voice has emerged to endorse a potential successor: former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri, who sees Sanju Samson as the prime candidate for the leadership role.

The Rise of a Mature Leader

Sanju Samson’s journey has been one of immense perseverance. Once criticized for occasional inconsistency, the Kerala star has successfully shed that reputation to become one of the most reliable and destructive forces in white-ball cricket. His performances during the T20 World Cup 2026 were nothing short of exceptional, as he single-handedly steered India through high-pressure situations in the Super 8s, semi-finals, and the final.

Ravi Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, highlighted the significant shift in Samson’s approach. According to Shastri, the wicketkeeper-batter has finally silenced the critics who questioned whether he could do justice to his raw talent. “I think he has put a lid on all those question marks,” Shastri remarked. “There was always ability. People would, in fact, be disappointed because he wouldn’t do justice to that ability.”

Ronav Bailey

Ronav Bailey is a senior cricket correspondent with The Hindu, covering Indian cricket and international tournaments for over 15 years. Known for his incisive match reports, long-form features on cricketing culture, and data-driven analysis, he has reported from three ICC Cricket World Cups and multiple IPL seasons. A regular voice on cricket podcasts and television panels, Bailey brings a nuanced understanding of South Asian cricket politics, player development, and the shifting dynamics between traditional formats and T20 leagues. A Chennai-based journalist, he is also the author of Cover Drives and Carrom Balls: The Changing Face of Indian Cricket. His writing blends sharp observation with a deep respect for the game's subcontinental roots.