India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is under scrutiny after a lean run of form ahead of the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. However, Samson’s childhood coach, Biju George, said that Ishan Kishan’s comeback is motivation to raise his game rather than a threat.
Sanju Samson has struggled to find form in T20Is over the past year after a strong 2024 season. The 31-year-old has scored 262 runs in his last 19 T20Is at an average of 17.46 and a strike rate of 129.06, with only one fifty. In the ongoing series against New Zealand, Samson has scored just 40 runs in four matches.
A Bit of Pressure Due to Ishan Kishan – Sanju Samson’s Childhood Coach
In a conversation with PTI, Biju George said that Ishan Kishan’s good form should motivate Sanju Samson. George added that pressure is unavoidable for players at the top, but staying there depends on delivering consistent performances.
“There might be a bit of pressure due to Ishan doing well, but not as a threat, rather as a reference. If he can do well, why not me? That’s probably the only question on Sanju’s mind,” George said.
“The person at the top is always under pressure, and the contender climbing up will continuously push. But once you’re there, what you do to stay there is what really matters,” he added.
He Should Make a Comeback Through the World Cup – Sanju Samson’s Childhood Coach
Biju George stated that Samson will bounce back and added that he has the class to deliver in big tournaments like the World Cup. George also said that players like Samson and Abhishek Sharma may not score every game but can win matches on their day.
“My gut feeling and belief is that he should make a comeback through the World Cup, and he will certainly deliver,” he said.
“Form is temporary, class is permanent,” George remarked. “Players like Sanju and Abhishek Sharma should be given some leeway because they are impact players. They won’t score over 100 runs every match, but when they do, they can win a game against any team in the world.”
He Hasn’t Had a Consistent Run – Sanju Samson’s Childhood Coach
George admitted that inconsistency has been an issue for the Kerala batter at the international level. He pointed out that Samson has rarely been given a long run in the Indian team. The coach added that Samson may not have fully shown his true potential.
“If you look at his history as an Indian player, he hasn’t had a consistent run of more than five matches in a row, which he is getting now, and credit to the management for that,” George said.
“He may not have fully done justice to his talent yet, but I don’t believe he’s struggling with self-doubt. He’s trying to find his perfect rhythm, and that will come,” he said.
