Sanju Samson poised to replace Rishabh Pant as India’s ODI backup wicketkeeper

Key facts

• Rishabh Pant has scored 189 runs in eight IPL 2026 matches at an average of 27.
• Sanju Samson has 304 runs in eight IPL matches, including two centuries.
• Samson scored 510 runs in 14 ODI innings at an average of 56.67.
• India will play 20 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
• India’s next ODI series starts against Afghanistan on June 14.
• Dhruv Jurel remains a contender for the wicketkeeper-batter role.

Pant’s IPL slump opens door for Samson

Rishabh Pant’s place in India’s ODI squad is under threat after a poor run in the Indian Premier League. The Lucknow Super Giants captain has managed only 189 runs in eight matches this season, averaging 27 with just one half-century. His struggles have coincided with a surge in form for Sanju Samson, who has emerged as the frontrunner to become India’s second-choice wicketkeeper-batter behind KL Rahul. Pant, who was the backup wicketkeeper during India’s last ODI series against New Zealand in January, was replaced by Dhruv Jurel midway through that assignment due to injury. Now, with the T20I door already closed, his ODI spot appears increasingly precarious.

Samson’s stellar run in IPL and T20 World Cup

Sanju Samson, 31, has been in scintillating form since moving from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings. In the current IPL season, he has already scored over 300 runs in eight matches, including two centuries. His exploits follow a standout T20 World Cup campaign, where he was named Player of the Tournament as India lifted the trophy. Samson’s limited-overs credentials are further bolstered by his ODI record: 510 runs in 14 innings at an average of 56.67, with one century and three fifties. He last played an ODI for India in 2023, scoring a century against South Africa.

Selection panel leans toward Samson over Jurel and Kishan

According to reports, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are planning to include Samson as the second wicketkeeper in the ODI squad, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup. While Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan remain in contention, Samson is currently the leading candidate. His consistent batting performances in T20Is and the IPL, combined with solid wicketkeeping, have tipped the scales in his favour. KL Rahul remains the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs, but the selectors are keen to solidify the backup role. Pant, who was the second choice during the New Zealand series, has seen his stock fall sharply.

Pant’s Test place secure despite white-ball woes

Despite his struggles in white-ball cricket, Pant’s position in India’s Test team remains unaffected. The wicketkeeper-batter has been a mainstay in the longer format, and his recent form has not raised concerns in that arena. However, his inability to convert starts in the IPL has cost him in the limited-overs pecking order. India are scheduled to play 20 ODIs in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The next ODI series begins against Afghanistan on June 14, providing an immediate opportunity for the selectors to reshuffle the squad.

What lies ahead for India’s wicketkeeper hierarchy

With Samson poised for a recall, the wicketkeeper-batter competition is intensifying. KL Rahul is expected to retain the primary role, but Samson’s form could push him into contention for the starting XI. Dhruv Jurel, who impressed in his limited opportunities, remains a long-term prospect. The selectors’ focus on the 2027 World Cup suggests they are building for the future, and Samson’s age (31) and experience make him a viable short-to-medium-term option. Pant, at 28, still has time to revive his white-ball career, but his immediate prospects hinge on a turnaround in the IPL.

The bottom line

• Rishabh Pant’s poor IPL form (189 runs in 8 matches) has cost him his ODI backup spot.
• Sanju Samson is the leading candidate to replace Pant, backed by strong IPL and T20 World Cup performances.
• Samson averages 56.67 in ODIs with 510 runs in 14 innings.
• Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan are also in contention but trail Samson.
• India’s next ODI series against Afghanistan starts June 14, when changes may be implemented.
• Pant’s Test place remains secure despite his white-ball struggles.