Sanjeev Kumar
khelja|19-12-2025
Samson faces the test of proving himself againImage Credit source: PTI
The last match of the T20 series between India and South Africa will be played in Ahmedabad. In this match to be held on Friday 19th December, the Indian team will enter with the intention of capturing the series. This is South Africa's last chance to level the series. Well, whatever be the result of the series, it will not make much difference to both the teams. But the one on whose future this match will make the biggest difference is Team India's wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, for whom this may prove to be the last chance.
It is almost certain that Samson will get a chance in the playing eleven in this match to be held on Friday at Narendra Modi Stadium. The reason for this is Shubman Gill's injury. Team India's vice-captain and opener Gill suffered a leg injury during the practice session before the fourth T20 match. Due to this, he was out of the fourth match and Samson was about to return to the playing-11. However, that match was canceled without the toss, due to which Samson did not get a chance to show his strength.
Now reports are coming that Gill has been out of the last match also and in such a situation, Samson will once again get a chance to open in his place.
This will be a good opportunity for Samson but the irony is that this could be his last chance. It may be surprising to think that how can only one chance be the last for a player who is constantly being kept out of the playing-11? Especially when Shubman Gill, who is playing in his place, has been continuously failing in the last more than a dozen matches. But there is a reason for this also.Actually Ahmedabad T20 match is the last match of this series.
After this, Team India will play T20 series against New Zealand in January and then will directly enter the T20 World Cup 2026. In such a situation, if Samson is unable to score runs in this match, then it is quite possible that Gill may return to the opening role again for the T20 series against New Zealand. In such a situation, Samson will have to prove himself again in the same role, in which he has already shown his strength and scored 3 centuries.If seen from the point of view of a fan or player, this can be considered injustice to Samson. But it is clear by now that Team India wants to keep Gill a part of all three formats, hence despite scoring only 291 runs in 15 T20 matches in 2025, he is being given continuous opportunities and is certain to be selected for the T20 World Cup as well.
In such a situation, Gill will also be included in the T20 team at every possible opportunity.Not only this, before the T20 series against New Zealand, Team India will also play 3 ODI matches against them. Now, if Shubman Gill bats well in these 3 matches, then citing his form, he can be fielded to open again in the T20 series. In such a situation, every innings is important for Samson and out of the two chances he was going to get, one has been snatched from his hands.
Therefore, he will have to give his best in Ahmedabad and force coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav to give him a place in the playing-11.
Ashes 2025-26: England review reinstated after Snicko error in Carey decision
Ashes 2025-26: 'That's where I wanted you to bowl' - Stokes' frustration boils over Archer in Adelaide
'Why did you not challenge even for someone like Akash Deep?' - Former India opener questions SRH's tactics at IPL 2026 auction
RCB probable playing 11 for IPL 2026 after auction
