SportsPosted at: Oct 8 2026 6:57PM


Samson’s form in focus as India look to go 2-0 up in Ranchi T20I

Tridib Baparnash
New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) Sanju Samson’s lean run will be under the spotlight when India take on the West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, with the hosts looking to strengthen their grip on the five-match series.
India lead 1-0 after a convincing eight-wicket win in Lucknow, but Samson’s form could prompt the team management to consider a change at the top of the order. The wicketkeeper-batter has managed scores of just 9, 7, 2 and 11 in his last four innings, increasing the pressure on him to deliver.
The presence of teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gives India another option if they decide to make a change. Sooryavanshi, who has impressed in domestic cricket, could come into consideration should the selectors and team management opt to give Samson a break.
India, however, have little reason to make wholesale changes after their dominant performance in the opening game. Chasing 172, captain Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, hitting 10 fours and six sixes, while Ishan Kishan provided valuable support as India reached the target with 32 balls to spare.
The bowling attack also had a productive outing, restricting West Indies to 171. Arshdeep Singh struck early, while Naman Dhir claimed three wickets. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with disciplined spells.
The team could still consider another pace option, with Mayank Yadav conceding 16 runs in his first over and finishing with an expensive spell. He did, however, dismiss West Indies' top scorer Sherfane Rutherford, who made 56 off 34 balls.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is another option if India want additional balance, although using him with the new ball would need to be carefully considered.
Meanwhile, West Indies will hope their batting can put up a stronger challenge after Shai Hope's 52 off 37 balls and Rutherford's 56 helped them post a competitive total in Lucknow. Their bowling attack, however, struggled once Iyer shifted gears and will need to find a way to contain India's aggressive batting unit.
The second T20I could also be affected by weather conditions, with partly cloudy skies and a chance of thunderstorms forecast. High humidity could bring dew into play during the evening.
Squads:
India: Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan (WK), Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prince Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
West Indies: Shai Hope (C & WK), Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo (WK), Gudakesh Motie, Jewel Andrew (WK), Kamil Pooran, Keemo Paul, Matthew Forde, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Shamar Joseph, Shamar Springer, Sherfane Rutherford, and wicketkeeper Shimron Hetmyer.
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Tridib Baparnash
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