Sanju Samson in Line for Comeback as Coach Reacts to South Africa Thrashing

India, Feb 23 : Suryakumar Yadav led India endured their heaviest-ever defeat in T20 World Cup history after being comprehensively beaten by South Africa national cricket team in a Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In the aftermath of the loss, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated that team composition could be reassessed, with Sanju Samson emerging as a strong contender for inclusion in the playing XI.

Selection Debate Intensifies

Addressing reporters after the match, ten Doeschate acknowledged that Samson’s name would naturally enter discussions in the coming days. The remarks came in response to questions about whether the management would continue backing the existing combination or make tactical changes ahead of the next fixture, including the clash against Zimbabwe.

Several teams in the tournament have experimented with part time spin options at the top order, prompting speculation that India could tweak its strategy following the setback.

Concerns Over Batting Form

The coach also revealed that young opener Abhishek Sharma had recently recovered from food poisoning, adding that the illness may have disrupted his preparation. The left-hander has struggled for form, registering three consecutive ducks earlier in the tournament.

Without offering excuses, ten Doeschate admitted that repeated low scores can weigh heavily on a player’s confidence. He stressed that it is now up to the squad to respond under pressure rather than rely on practice performances.

Tilak Varma, who has also faced scrutiny over consistency, was mentioned as part of the broader evaluation process as the team looks to bounce back in the Super 8 stage.

With qualification stakes rising, India’s think tank appears set for crucial selection calls in the days ahead.