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

The third T20I game between India and South Africa is underway at Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and sent the visitors to bat first. For the second time in a row, India won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Currently, the series is level at 1-1. However, wicketkeeper Sanju Samson did not return to the Indian team much to the disappointment of his fans. Samson, who is one of the best wicketkeepers in India, is yet to play a part in this series. Despite being aggressive, Samson may be the player who can provide both stability and strength at the top of the order.

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

For the IND vs SA 3rd T20I game, Sanju Samson has once again been kept out of the starting line-up. For the third time Samson has not participated in any of the series' first three games, despite being a key member of the T20I team. Sanju has lost his spot in the middle order as Jitesh Sharma is still the preferred wicketkeeper.

With Sanju out as the opener, Shubman Gill is also under pressure to score runs. In contrast, Sanju Samson's recent T20I performances have been impressive. He showed strength and reliability at the top of the order last year, scoring three T20I centuries as an opener. Samson has scored 522 runs in his 17 T20I appearances as an opener for India.

From the last game, India have made two changes. Both Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah are not playing. Bumrah is out for personal reasons and Axar is out due to sickness. Axar has been replaced by Kuldeep Yadav, and Bumrah has been replaced by Harshit Rana. Sanju Samson IND vs SA presence could happen in the next two games but it remains to be seen which position he bats.

Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav Under Pressure

Shubman Gill, who has been having trouble finding form in the format for a while. In the first game, He scored four runs off two balls before being caught by Lungi Ngidi. While in the second game, Ngidi bowled him for a first-ball duck. Gill has only scored four runs against just three balls in two games. His difficulties have brought attention to him, particularly as the 2026 T20 World Cup draws near.

Meanwhile, India's captain Suryakumar Yadav has averaged 8.50 in two games and scored just 17 runs so far. With the ICC T20 World Cup coming up in two months, his form will be important for Team India. Both Gill and Suryakumar among the best T20 batsmen in the world which is why the team management is backing them. Both will be key for India in the T20 World Cup 2026.