"He has immense potential..." - Former India captain still has strong belief in struggling Indian cricketer in ongoing T20 World Cup 2026

While many Indian players are in strong form in white-ball cricket, some players are struggling to retain their place, but they are continuously fighting without giving up in the battle. Former Indian captain strongly backed one of the struggling Indian cricketers, as he feels that the cricketer is a very good player with immense potential.  

The 31-year-old Sanju Samson has spent in the Indian national cricket team system for more than a decade. Despite playing 58 T20Is and 16 ODIs, he has yet to secure his position for the Men in Blues.   

While India missed Abhishek Sharma in their previous game in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against Namibia, Sanju Samson returned to the playing XI. As an opener, he provided a fiery start of 22 runs in just eight balls with one four and three sixes before losing his wicket.

Sanju is a very good player and deserves consistent opportunities: Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly still backs Sanju Samson, calling the wicketkeeper-batter a very good player who deserves consistent opportunities. Ganguly feels that Sanju has immense potential and deserves to get some time to prove himself. 

Ganguly told India Today, "Sanju is a very good player and deserves consistent opportunities. No player can perform under constant pressure where two failures mean being dropped. It’s important to give him a longer run to maintain his form. After all, just over a year ago, he scored three centuries in T20Is. He has immense potential, and I hope he is given the time he deserves."

Everything depends on Abhishek Sharma’s fitness: Sourav Ganguly

India and Pakistan are ready to face each other on this Sunday night (February 13) in Sri Lanka. Ganguly feels there is no need to make any unnecessary changes in the playing XI, only excluding Abhishek Sharma's return if fit to play, which means Sanju has to leave the place. 

Ganguly said, "India's combination is strong and well-balanced, so there’s no need for major changes. Everything depends on Abhishek Sharma’s fitness. If Abhishek is fit to play, he may come in for Sanju, while the rest of the team should remain the same."