Table of Contents
As India fine-tune their squad composition ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a clear statistical and tactical divide has emerged between Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill. While Gill’s overall pedigree and peak performances cannot be ignored, Samson’s T20I numbers, strike rate and role flexibility have given him a decisive edge in the World Cup pecking order.
Selectors and analysts agree that the modern T20 template demands explosive powerplay impact and adaptability – areas where Samson has consistently outperformed Gill over a larger sample size.
Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson: Overall T20I career comparison
A look at their T20I career numbers highlights the contrast in approach:
Shubman Gill: 36 matches, 36 innings, 869 runs, average 28.03, strike rate 138.59, one century, three fifties, highest score 126 not out
Sanju Samson: 52 matches, 44 innings, 1032 runs, average 25.80, strike rate 148.06, three centuries, two fifties, highest score 111
Gill’s standout moment remains his 126 not out against New Zealand, which briefly propelled him into elite T20 discussions. However, that peak has not been sustained. Samson, on the other hand, has maintained a career strike rate above 145 across a significantly larger number of matches, reinforcing his reputation as a higher-impact T20 batter.
Gill’s extended lean patch in T20Is
One of the biggest factors hurting Gill has been his prolonged dip in form. Despite his early promise, Gill has gone 18 T20I innings without a half-century, with his returns tapering sharply through 2025.
Across 15 T20Is in the 2025 calendar year, Gill managed only 291 runs at an average of 24.25, striking at around 137. Those numbers fell well short of the powerplay aggression selectors were actively seeking for World Cup conditions, where fast starts are considered non-negotiable.
Samson’s current form matches runs
Interestingly, Samson scored a similar number of runs to Gill across his last 15 T20Is, but did so at a higher strike rate of 137.26 while showing far more intent during the powerplay. This aggression – especially against pace in the first six overs – was a critical selector criterion for the World Cup squad.
While Samson’s average remains slightly lower, selectors value impact per ball more than time spent at the crease in T20 cricket. On that metric, Samson consistently came out ahead.
Beyond pure batting numbers, Samson offers two key advantages Gill does not. First is his wicketkeeping ability, which allows India to field an extra batter or bowler depending on conditions. Second is his versatility, with the ability to bat anywhere in the top four, adapting to different match situations.
This flexibility significantly enhances squad balance, especially in a 15-man T20 World Cup group where every role must be covered without redundancy.
Also READ: Fans left shocked as BCCI drops Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Why selectors backed Samson over Gill in India’s T20 World Cup 2026?
A T20-specific call, not a talent judgment
The batting analysis frame Gill’s omission as a tactical decision, not a reflection of his overall ability. Gill’s more anchor-style T20 approach, combined with his extended lean patch, worked against him in a setup prioritising maximum aggression at the top.
Former players have echoed that view, suggesting Samson fits the modern T20 blueprint more naturally, even if Gill remains one of India’s most gifted all-format batters.
Also READ: Kapil Dev shares his honest view on Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026
