India coach gives massive update on Sanju Samson’s inclusion after shocking defeat to South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa beat India by 76 runs in the Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium. South Africa played very well and defended 187 runs successfully. India were bowled out for 111 runs in the 19th over. India lost early wickets and could not chase the target.

The top order of India failed in the chase. Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma got out quickly. Abhishek Sharma scored only 15 runs in this match and had poor scores in the previous three innings. Tilak Varma also did not perform well, scoring 107 runs in five innings.

With Sanju Samson in the squad, India have a right-handed batting option. He may open with Ishan Kishan or play at number three if needed. But Samson’s recent form has not been good. He scored only 290 runs in 17 innings since 2025 with an average of 17.05.

During the post-match press conference, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said that Sanju Samson will be a talking point in the next few days. This suggests that team management may discuss his possible role in the batting order.

Also Read -Biggest defeat for India in T20 World Cups (by runs) ft. IND vs SA Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026

Early Wicket Problem and Opening Plan

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said early wickets are a problem for the team. He said, “Yeah, of course, we have, and look at the five outings we have had now, four teams have opened with part-time off spin, and it has got a wicket every time, apart from the USA game where we lost Abhi without score in any case (to pacer Ali Khan).”

He added, “So to start every inning zero for one, I think it has literally been zero or a couple of runs for one every time is obviously putting pressure on the link players. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav have the role to link with the back-end batters, and it has not gone that way.”

Sanju Samson Selection Discussion

The coach talked about team selection and experience. He said, “You stick with the guys who we feel have performed really well over the last 18 months and who are maybe shy of a few runs now? Or do we twist and bring Sanju Samson, who is a good player and helps tactically by having a right-handed batter at the top?”

He added that this topic will be discussed before the important matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Why Washington Sundar Was Picked Over Axar Patel

The coach also explained why Washington Sundar played instead of vice-captain Axar Patel. He said the team studied the opposition batting lineup. Players like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Ryan Rickelton were seen as big threats. So, the team chose Sundar for the middle overs.

He said, “We spent a lot of time thinking about the playing XI. We were looking at matchups in the middle. We felt we needed Rinku Singh in the team. This decision does not reduce Axar’s quality or leadership.”

The coach also said, “We know what Washi can do. The choice was between Washi and Axar because of the balance of the team and the number of left-handed batters in the opposition.”

He added, “If Axar played today, he would have batted in the same position as Washi. Our goal was to pick the best XI based on analysis. The biggest threats were de Kock, Miller, and Rickleton, so Sundar was selected for the middle overs.”

However, South Africa beat India by 76 runs in Match 43 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing 188 runs, India were all out for 111 runs in 18.5 overs.

India will play against Zimbabwe next on Thursday, February 26, and then face the West Indies on March 1 at the Eden Gardens.