Why Sanju Samson is Not Playing IND vs AUS 3rd T20I in Hobart?

The third T20I between Australia and India is being played at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart. India have won the toss and elected to field on a pitch that looks excellent for batting. The Men in Blue made three changes to their Playing 11, however, the most noticeable one was the ouster of Sanju Samson from the IND vs AUS 3rd T20I.

His exclusion took everyone by surprise since he has been one of the crucial members of India's 20-over side under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The team management led by the head coach Gautam Gambhir has preferred Samson as the first-choice wicketkeeper.

Why Sanju Samson is Not Playing Today in IND vs AUS 3rd T20I?

Samson has been a key part of India's T20I team over the last few months. However, he hasn't looked in great form in the last few matches, especially since he has batted in the middle order. Even during the Asia Cup 2025, which India won, Sanju Samson wasn't at his fluent best while batting in the middle order.

As a result, the team management has decided to look out for other options. Jitesh Sharma has made a comeback into the Indian team as Sanju Samson replacement. Jitesh was in fine form during IPL 2025 and even played a big role in RCB's first-ever title win. He is among the best wicketkeepers in India at the moment and will be aiming to stake a claim in India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Samson was earlier preferred as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma. However, the wicketkeeper-batter has been pushed down to the middle order ever since the return of the vice-captain Shubman Gill to India's T20I side. Over the years, Samson has emerged as a top-class T20 batsman while playing in the top order but his middle order credentials still remain in doubt.

Currently, he is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world and despite getting dropped, he remains a key part of India's plans for the next year's T20 World Cup.

Other Changes in India's Playing 11 for IND vs AUS 3rd T20I

Among the other changes, offspinner Washington Sundar comes into the Playing 11 replacing the left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav. Washington can score runs down the order which strengthens India's batting line-up on a flat wicket.

Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh also came into the side replacing Harshit Rana. Arshdeep is India's top wicket-taker in this format and his exclusion from the first two matches was a big surprise. However, he has finally found a way into the team and even picked up the first two wickets of Australia.

India are currently trailing the series 0-1 after losing the last game in Melbourne. The first match was washed out due to rain. With two matches left to be played after this game, India would be looking to draw level here. However, they need to learn from their mistakes from the previous game in order to beat the home side here.