T20I Stats Overview
As Team India's T20I squad gears up for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, the performance of its players comes under scrutiny. Currently, Sanju Samson is facing a challenging phase, while Abhishek Sharma is making notable strides. Let’s analyze their stats as openers in T20Is to see who is performing better.
Sanju Samson's Performance
Sanju Samson's current form has been a matter of concern. Over four innings in the series against New Zealand, he has managed just 40 runs, highlighting a steep decline in his performance. His recent scores are as follows:
| Match | Score | Strike Rate |
|---|
| 1st T20I | 10 | 100.00 |
| 2nd T20I | 6 | 75.00 |
| 3rd T20I | 0 | 0.00 |
| 4th T20I | 24 | 160.00 |
In total, he has opened in 22 T20Is, scoring 599 runs at an average of 28.52. His best performance came against South Africa with a score of 107 from 50 balls.
Abhishek Sharma's Rise
On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma has shown impressive form. In his 22 T20I matches as an opener, he has accumulated 844 runs with an average of 38.36. Here are some key stats:
| Matchup | Runs | Average |
|---|
| Against England | 279 | 55.80 |
| Against Pakistan | 110 | 36.66 |
| Against Bangladesh | 110 | 27.50 |
His phenomenal best of 135 off 54 balls came against England, showcasing his capability to anchor the innings.
Comparative Insights
Both players have had a remarkable journey as openers, but the numbers clearly favor Abhishek. For instance:
- Strike Rate: Samson has a strike rate of 175.14 compared to Abhishek's 197.65.
- 50-plus scores: Samson has four 50-plus scores in his T20I career, while Abhishek boasts an impressive seven.
Conclusion
With only one match left against New Zealand, Team India's management will have to decide who holds the strategic advantage. As they prepare for the World Cup, both players will look to capitalize on any opportunity to secure their place in the final squad.