Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube have retained their places in India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, underlining the selectors’ faith in continuity after the title-winning campaign in 2024.
Both players were part of that historic squad, and while their roles differed then, the upcoming tournament presents a far more defined and significant opportunity for each of them.
Sanju Samson and Dube retain their spot in World Cup squad
For Sanju Samson, the 2026 edition marks a clear shift in responsibility. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Samson spent most of the tournament on the bench, serving as the reserve wicketkeeper as India powered their way to the trophy. This time, the situation is very different.
Samson will be the first-choice wicketkeeper, expected to lead the side from behind the stumps and play a central role in the batting order. His recent consistency in international cricket and calm presence under pressure have strengthened his case, making him one of the key figures in India’s T20 setup going forward.
Shivam Dube, meanwhile, continues to be viewed as a vital piece in India’s middle and lower order. A member of the 2024 World Cup-winning squad, Dube made his impact felt with his power-hitting and ability to change the momentum of games quickly.
For the 2026 T20 World Cup, he is set to retain a similar role — a dependable lower-order batter who can counter spin, clear the ropes with ease, and provide flexibility to the team’s combination. His ability to chip in with the ball when required further strengthens his value in the squad.
Dube and Samson in CSK
The reaction from Chennai Super Kings, the IPL franchise both players represent, reflected pride and confidence in their selections. CSK have consistently backed Samson and Dube, and their inclusion reinforces the franchise’s reputation for nurturing players who perform on the biggest stages.
Both players’ journeys with Chennai Super Kings reflect different stages of association, but a shared sense of trust from the management.
Sanju Samson is yet to make his on-field debut for CSK. The franchise brought him in as part of a major squad reshuffle, viewing him as a long-term investment and a future leader. While Samson has not played a competitive match for CSK so far, his presence in the setup is seen as strategic, with the management backing his temperament, experience, and growing stature in Indian cricket.
Shivam Dube, on the other hand, has been an active part of the CSK unit since 2023. After earlier stints with other franchises, Dube revived his IPL career in Chennai through a series of impactful performances, particularly as a middle-order power-hitter. His consistent run for CSK played a key role in his return to the Indian setup and has since cemented his place as a trusted option for both franchise and country.
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Indian cricket team: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
As India prepare to defend their crown at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the retention of Samson and Dube signals a blend of continuity and clarity.
