Team India Coach Defends Struggling Opener: 'Sanju Is One Knock Away From...'

Last Updated:January 27, 2026, 18:45 IST

Morne Morkel backs Sanju Samson to regain form ahead of World Cup, praising his training as India leads New Zealand 3-0.

Eyes are on Sanju Samson for this fixture. (PTI Photo)

On Tuesday, the struggling Sanju Samson received a significant boost as bowling coach Morne Morkel expressed confidence that the opener was just one good knock away from breaking out of his lean phase.

Samson has managed only 16 runs in the first three T20Is, with a highest score of 10, while other top-order batsmen like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav have been dominating the New Zealand bowlers.

“Sanju is one knock away from getting that confidence, getting that form back. For us, building up to the World Cup it’s important for the guys to find that peak performance at the right time. He’s training well, he’s hitting the ball very well," Morkel was quoted as saying to reporters ahead of the fourth T20I.

Despite it being an optional practice session, Samson spent over 30 minutes in the nets, facing bowlers like Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek, and side-armer Raghu.

After a few initial struggles, Samson found his rhythm, sending the ball to all corners of the ACA-VDCA Stadium.

The Kerala batsman then had an extended conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on the sidelines, while Shreyas Iyer practised.

Matter Of Time For Sanju…

Morkel emphasised that he was not overly concerned about Samson’s form, stressing that the team’s victories were more important than individual performances.

“So, I think it’s just a matter of time for him to get his foot on the board. But the main focus is that the team is winning, and I think that’s important. We’re 3-0 up in this series at the moment, the boys are playing some very good cricket.

“We’ve got a couple of games now before the start of the World Cup, and I have no doubt that Sanju will find his form," the South African added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

News india Team India Coach Defends Struggling Opener: 'Sanju Is One Knock Away From...'

Read More