The countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 has begun, and the defending champions have a major decision to make at the top of the order. While Abhishek Sharma has locked down one opening spot with his explosive form, wicketkeeper-batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are in the race for the second spot.
It was expected that Samson would be the first-choice opener for the World Cup, but his poor performances and a comeback from Kishan have made the team management rethink. With the tournament set to kick off on February 7, the left-handed batter is the frontrunner in the playing XI for the opening slot.
Shubman Gill’s Axing Opened Doors for Ishan Kishan
India’s selection plans changed before the tournament, with Shubman Gill left out of the squad despite being the vice-captain in the previous series. The selectors cited a lack of runs and the need for a wicketkeeper at the top of the order as the main reasons behind the decision.
In the 2025 Asia Cup, Gill scored 127 runs in seven innings at an average of 21.17, with his best knock being 47 off 28 balls against Pakistan. He then made 132 runs in five matches in Australia at a strike rate of 136.08. Gill followed that with scores of 2, 0, and 28 in the home series against South Africa.
Gill’s omission opened the door for Ishan Kishan. The team wanted a wicketkeeper who could open the batting, and Kishan’s aggressive left-handed approach suited that plan. With team balance in mind, he moved ahead in the race for the opening slot.
Ishan Kishan Won Ajit Agarkar’s Trust With SMAT 2025 Heroics
Ishan Kishan forced his way back into the picture with a strong domestic season. The left-handed batter delivered impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
Leading Jharkhand, Kishan scored 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and an outstanding strike rate of 197.32. He smashed 101 off 49 balls in the final against Haryana to guide Jharkhand to their first-ever title.
His big-match knocks helped him earn the trust of the selectors, including Ajit Agarkar, and pushed him firmly into World Cup contention as a backup wicketkeeper-batter and opener.
Not Sanju Samson! Ishan Kishan Will Partner Abhishek Sharma in T20 World Cup 2026
Ishan Kishan is moving ahead of Sanju Samson in the race to open alongside Abhishek Sharma. Kishan has made an immediate impact since his return. He smashed 76 off just 32 balls in the second T20I against New Zealand and showed the attacking intent India want at the top of the order.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has struggled in the shorter format. He has gone nine consecutive T20I innings without a half-century, including a duck and several low scores against New Zealand.
With form and confidence on his side, Kishan looks set to partner Abhishek Sharma in the World Cup setup. India will begin their World Cup campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7.
Also read: Hardik Pandya, The Most Hated Indispensable Man: Why India Cannot Win T20 World Cup 2026 Without Him
