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Sanju Samson Emerges as Frontrunner for India’s ODI Squad; Rishabh Pant Facing Potential Omission
The competition for the secondary wicketkeeper-batsman slot in India’s One Day International (ODI) setup has reached a fever pitch. Following the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, reports suggest that Sanju Samson has overtaken Rishabh Pant in the pecking order. With the national team shifting its focus toward building a robust squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, recent form and statistical consistency appear to be the deciding factors.
While KL Rahul remains established as the primary wicketkeeper for the 50-over format, the battle for the backup position is currently tilting heavily in Samson's favor.
The Impact of IPL 2026 Performances
The recent IPL season has played a pivotal role in shaping the selectors' perspective. The two contenders had vastly different campaigns:
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Sanju Samson (CSK): Transitioning to a new role with the Chennai Super Kings, Samson has been in sublime form. In just eight matches, he amassed 304 runs, including two centuries, proving his ability to anchor an innings and finish with high impact.
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Rishabh Pant (LSG): Representing the Lucknow Super Giants, Pant has struggled to find his characteristic rhythm. He managed only 189 runs across eight matches, averaging 27 with a single half-century.
Comparative ODI Statistics
Beyond the shortest format, the career statistics in ODIs provide a clear edge to Samson regarding consistency:
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries/50s |
| Sanju Samson | 16 | 510 | 56.67 | 1 / 3 |
| Rishabh Pant | 31 | 871 | 33.50 | 1 / 5 |
Samson’s exceptional average of nearly 57 in the 50-over format, combined with his heroics as India’s standout performer in the 2026 T20 World Cup, has made him a difficult candidate to ignore for head coach Gautam Gambhir.
The Road Ahead: 2027 World Cup Preparation
The Indian team is set for a busy ODI calendar starting June 14, 2026, with a home series against Afghanistan. This will be followed by tours and series against Sri Lanka, the West Indies, England, and New Zealand.
The selection committee is reportedly prioritizing "impact players" who can maintain high averages in the middle order. While Dhruv Jurel remains in the periphery of the conversation, the current momentum is firmly behind Samson. If these reports hold true, the upcoming Afghanistan series could mark a significant chapter in Samson's career, potentially securing his spot as a mainstay in the road to the next World Cup.
