The player debate was Sanju vs Ishan. The answer turned out to be both
India Today
We spent months debating Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan. Then, together in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, both of them put up a sensational performance against New Zealand. Seems like the team knew something we didn't.
Just when you think you have Indian cricket all figured out, it does something to make you think again.
Coming into the T20 World Cup, the debate had a clean shape to it. Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan. One spot, two contenders, and a selection call that felt like it had already been made.
When India announced their squad and Kishan's return became the big talking point, it felt like the final nail in the coffin for Samson's hopes of playing.
The experts had weighed in. The timelines had moved on.
And then, as cricket so often does, it laughed at all of us.
Not only did Samson play, but he also became the Player of the Tournament. Three consecutive match-winning knocks against the West Indies, England and New Zealand. A player who was not even supposed to be in the XI ended up being the architect of India's third T20 World Cup title.
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