The competition for the opening slot in the Indian T20I squad has reached a fever pitch as the team prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup, while with the ongoing five-match T20 series against New Zealand, all eyes are on the performance of Sanju Samson and the potential return of Ishan Kishan. While Samson has been given opportunities at the top of the order, his lack of consistency has sparked a debate about whether Kishan should reclaim his spot. To understand the dynamics better, a comparison of their records after 35 T20I matches reveals some startling facts.
The Run Accumulation: Ishan Kishan Leads
In terms of pure run-scoring consistency, Ishan Kishan holds a significant advantage over Sanju Samson. In his 35 T20I appearances, Kishan has batted in 35 innings, amassing 908 runs at an average of 26, while 70. On the other hand, looking back at Sanju Samson's stats after his first 35 matches, he had managed 701 runs in 31 innings with an average of 25. 03. Kishan's ability to provide steady starts has reflected in his higher run aggregate during this phase of his career.
Impact and Milestones: Samson's Century Edge
While Kishan leads in total runs, Sanju Samson has shown a higher ceiling for massive individual scores, while in his first 35 matches, Samson had already smashed 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries. In contrast, Ishan Kishan has recorded 7 half-centuries but is yet to reach the triple-figure mark in T20 Internationals. Samson's ability to convert starts into big hundreds makes him a high-impact player, whereas Kishan is seen as a reliable anchor who can accelerate when needed.
Strike Rate: The Modern T20 Metric
The most crucial aspect of modern T20 cricket is the strike rate, and here, Sanju Samson clearly outshines Ishan Kishan, while after 35 matches, Samson boasted a strike rate of 151. 07, showcasing his intent to take the attack to the opposition from the first ball. Ishan Kishan, during the same period, maintained a strike rate of 131. 59. In a format where every ball counts, Samson's aggressive approach provides the team with the momentum required in the powerplay overs.
Boundary Hitting and Highest Scores
The battle of boundaries is equally competitive, while ishan Kishan has hit 42 sixes and 95 fours in his 35-match career so far. Samson, in his first 35 games, had struck 37 sixes and 60 fours, while while Kishan hits more boundaries overall, Samson's highest score of 111 dwarfs Kishan's best of 89. This further highlights Samson's capability of playing long, destructive innings that can single-handedly win matches for India.
The Road to T20 World Cup 2026
As Team India looks to build a formidable unit for the 2026. World Cup, the choice between Kishan and Samson remains a tactical headache. Kishan offers a left-handed option and consistent run-scoring, while Samson provides explosive power and the ability to play big knocks. The New Zealand series could be the final frontier for Samson to cement his place; otherwise,. The door remains wide open for Ishan Kishan to step back in as the primary opener. Fans and experts alike are divided, but the numbers suggest that while Kishan is the more consistent run-getter, Samson is the more dangerous match-winner on his day.
