Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly cautioned the Indian cricket team against making hasty changes to its playing XI, particularly concerning the wicketkeeper-batsman selection between Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Ashwin labeled such frequent alterations as "circus acts," warning they could have detrimental effects on the team's internal environment and overall performance. His remarks came on January 25, 2026, amidst the ongoing T20 International series against New Zealand, where the performances of both players have intensified the selection debate.[indianexpress+5]
Selection Dilemma Intensifies
The debate over India's wicketkeeper-batsman choice has grown more complex during the New Zealand T20I series. Sanju Samson, who recently returned to his preferred opening slot alongside Abhishek Sharma, has faced a challenging run. He registered low scores of 10 and 6 in the first two T20Is and was dismissed for a golden duck in the third match.Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan, who earned a recall due to an injury to Tilak Varma, delivered a powerful performance. Kishan smashed 76 runs off just 32 balls in the second T20I in Raipur, significantly increasing pressure on Samson for a spot in the playing XI.Kishan has accumulated 112 runs across three matches in the series, averaging 37.33, while Samson has scored only 16 runs with an average of five.[indianexpress+13]
Ashwin aired his views on his YouTube channel, emphasizing the need for stability. "It's way too early to think of dropping him," Ashwin stated, referring to Samson.He added, "If India keeps doing such circus acts by playing Sanju when he did well before, and now Kishan because he's playing well now, I don't have to tell how it'll end for India. It's not ideal inside the dressing room."This highlights his concern about the impact on team morale and player confidence from constant shuffling.[indianexpress+11]
Backing Samson's Aggressive Intent
Ashwin also defended Sanju Samson's recent dismissals, arguing it would be unfair to penalize him for playing attacking shots. He noted that Samson's opening role was only recently reinstated after a period where Shubman Gill was preferred.Ashwin explained that Samson's dismissals were a result of his intent to bat aggressively, which is a necessary approach in T20 cricket. "It'll be very unfair. This opening combination has been reverted only for the last two games. A player has got out playing an attacking shot. If you penalize him for that and bench him, how will you witness the best of that player?" Ashwin questioned.He stressed that Samson's attempts were not due to a "rush of blood" but rather an instinctive response to the ball, which sometimes does not go a player's way.[indianexpress+11]
The competition for the wicketkeeper-batsman spot is further complicated by the impending return of Tilak Varma. Varma, who is recovering from an abdominal injury, is expected to rejoin the squad soon.His return means that the team management will likely have space for only one of Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan in the playing XI, intensifying the selection headache.[indianexpress+13]
Calls for Consistency
Several other cricket experts have also weighed in on the tight competition. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra noted Kishan's consistent performances in the New Zealand series, contrasting them with Samson's struggles. Chopra highlighted Kishan's "short but destructive knock" and his overall strong showing, which puts Samson's place under scrutiny.Similarly, former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull believes Ishan Kishan's impressive form has put "serious pressure" on Sanju Samson, especially with Tilak Varma's return looming.[timesofindia+1]
Ashwin's "circus acts" warning serves as a direct message to the team management to prioritize stability and patience with players, rather than making knee-jerk reactions based on a couple of performances. He emphasized that consistency in selection allows players to perform at their best and fosters a healthy dressing room environment. The ongoing debate underscores the challenge for India's selectors in balancing current form with long-term player development and team cohesion, particularly as the 2026 T20 World Cup approaches.
