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Amid concerns over his form heading into the all-important T20 World Cup 2026, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel backed Sanju Samson to regain his confidence. Morkel said the opener has been batting well in the nets and is just one big knock away from getting back to his best.
Morkel's comments come at a time when Samson's dwindling returns have led to question marks over his spot in India's T20I team. The experienced right-hander, who is known for his attacking batting, has failed to deliver with the bat in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand so far.
Samson has so far managed only 16 runs in the first three T20Is against New Zealand, with the highest score of 10. He was dismissed on a Golden Duck on the very first ball of India's run chase in the third T20I against the Kiwis in Guwahati on Sunday, leading to questions over his form and technique.
However, Morkel put his vote of confidence behind the star batter, who he feels is not too far away from regaining his touch.
"Sanju is one knock away from getting that confidence, getting that form back. For us, building up to the World Cup it's important for the guys to find that peak performance at the right time. He's training well, he's hitting the ball very well," Morkel said in the press conference.
Samson regained his opening slot for India in T20Is after the selectors dropped Shubman Gill from the squad for the New Zealand series and the T20 World Cup 2026, which gets underway on February 07. However, the right-hander has failed to capitalise on the opportunity and is yet to play a big knock.
His decline comes at a time when India's top order batters - Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have all been in top-notch form and scored big runs against the Kiwis. Samson was seen batting in the nets for more than 30 minutes during India's optional practice session in Vizag on Tuesday.
He also had a chat with India head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. The right-hander initially struggled in the nets while facing the Indian spinners and side-arm specialist Raghu, but soon returned to his best by playing some beautiful strokes across all parts of the stadium.
Samson will be hoping to bounce back among the runs when India lock horns with New Zealand in the penultimate 4th T20I in Vizag on Wednesday. The hosts have already sealed the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead after their dominant 8-wicket win in the third T20I in Guwahati last week.
Despite Samson misfiring at the top, India have been exceptional with the bat in the ongoing series against New Zealand so far, thanks to the likes of Abhishek, Suryakumar and Kishan. Morkel said the team management is not too worried about Samson's form as the team's victory matters more than individual performances.
"So, I think it's just a matter of time for him to get his foot on the board. But the main focus is that the team is winning, and I think that's important. We're 3-0 up in this series at the moment, the boys are playing some very good cricket," said Morkel.
"We've got a couple of games now before the start of the World Cup, and I have no doubt that Sanju will find his form," he added.
