Sunil Gavaskar Pinpoints Sanju Samson's Form as Big Concern Before Pakistan Game

India’s commanding 93-run victory over Namibia in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has given the team a confidence boost ahead of their crucial Group A clash against Pakistan. The defending champions posted 209/9 in 20 overs, with Ishan Kishan smashing a 24-ball 61 and Hardik Pandya contributing a 52-run all-round performance, including two key wickets. Varun Chakravarthy also impressed with figures of 3/7, helping bowl out Namibia for 116 in 18.2 overs.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav lauded the team’s overall performance, noting the resilience shown after early wickets fell. “It was not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way Ishan and Sanju started, it didn’t look difficult. Then the partnership between Shivam and Hardik, after losing two or three quick wickets, was very commendable,” Yadav said during the post-match presentation.

Despite the strong team display, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar highlighted concerns over the form of wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson. Samson managed just 22 runs off eight balls and was caught at deep mid-wicket. Gavaskar noted that with Abhishek Sharma’s availability still uncertain due to a recent stomach infection, Samson may be called upon for Sunday’s clash against Pakistan, which could make the team management “a little bit nervous”.

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Abhishek Sharma, who was hospitalised in Delhi for high fever and stomach pain earlier this week, was released on Wednesday but did not participate in training on Thursday due to lingering weakness. The team is closely monitoring his fitness ahead of the high-stakes match against Pakistan, where his presence could influence batting combinations.

Gavaskar remained positive about India’s overall form, praising Kishan and Pandya’s contributions. “Apart from that, it was a very good performance. The way Ishan Kishan batted, and Hardik’s performance was great too,” he added, underscoring the team’s momentum going into the next challenge.

With Pakistan awaiting in their next Group A fixture, India will look to carry forward the confidence from their biggest T20 World Cup win so far while addressing the concerns around Samson and Sharma to field the strongest possible side.

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