India unfazed by Sanju Samson’s form dip, coach stresses mental strength: ‘He probably has not scored as many runs’

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak came out in support of Sanju Samson amid growing scrutiny over the wicketkeeper-batter’s recent run of low scores.

Updated on: Jan 30, 2026, 20:04:48 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Sanju Samson’s position in the Indian side has come under fresh scrutiny following a run of low scores against New Zealand in the ongoing series. The wicketkeeper-batter has struggled to make an impact with the bat, failing to convert brief starts into meaningful contributions. While he showed early promise with a 24-run effort in the fourth T20I, it once again ended without a significant score. Earlier outings of 10, 6 and a duck have only added to the pressure. At the same time, Ishan Kishan has made a strong impression since returning to the side, tightening the competition for places. With Tilak Varma nearing a comeback from injury, the team management now faces a difficult call between Samson and Kishan for the matches ahead.

Sanju Samson is going through a lean patch. (AP)

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak came out in support of Samson amid growing scrutiny over the wicketkeeper-batter’s recent run of low scores, urging patience and perspective while stressing that such phases are a natural part of any cricketer’s career.

“Sanju is a senior player, he is very good. He probably has not scored as many runs as everybody would like, but that's part of the cricketing career. Sometimes you have five innings in a row where you score so many runs and sometimes you have a little tight period,” Kotak told the media on the eve of the final T20I.

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“We all know what Sanju Samson is capable of”

The wicketkeeper-batter was preferred over India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill as Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner, but since the T20 World Cup squad announcement, he has failed to deliver any impactful innings, putting his place in the playing XI under threat.

Kotak further backed Samson, highlighting the importance of mental strength during lean phases and underlining the team management’s faith in the senior batter’s ability and work ethic despite the recent scrutiny.

“It's all up to an individual how to keep his mind strong and, obviously, our job is to keep him in a good frame of mind. He is practicing and he is working hard, so we all know what Sanju is capable of. I don't think anything more to say about Sanju because he has been really good,” he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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