T20 World Cup 2026: 'Can you fit Sanju in place of Rinku?' - Former cricketer suggests intriguing change in India's XI ahead of IND vs PAK clash

Published - 13 Feb 2026, 23:21 IST | Updated - 13 Feb 2026, 23:40 IST

Mohammad Kaif opined that Sanju Samson could be used in the middle order if Abhishek Sharma returns to the playing XI in India's upcoming T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. The former India batter suggested that Rinku Singh could make way for Abhishek.

Samson played the last game against Namibia and scored a quickfire 22 off eight balls. Meanwhile, Rinku played both the matches India have played so far against the USA and Namibia. The southpaw has registered scores of 6 (14) and 1 (6).

“The kind of start Sanju gave, he made 22 off eight balls. That means he played very aggressively. So I feel, can Sanju be adjusted somewhere in the lineup? Let Abhishek Sharma open. Fine. But can you bring Sanju in place of Rinku? Of course, Rinku has not played much in World Cups, only two matches. He is a good player, there is no doubt about that. He is a very good player. But Sanju is an experienced batter and has also captained a lot. So I wonder, can you fit Sanju in place of Rinku?” Kaif asked during a live session on his YouTube channel.

Kaif noted that Samson plays spin well and the R. Premadasa Stadium is expected to assist the tweakers. The cricketer-turned-expert also highlighted Samson's experience as a batter and a captain, something that gives him an advantage over Rinku. Kaif also recalled that Samson batted in the middle order during the 2025 Asia Cup, so the role won't be new for him.

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“Sanju plays spin well, and in the Asia Cup he was batting at No. 5 or 6. You might remember that when India played Pakistan recently, Sanju was used in the middle order. So will the Indian team think along those lines? I understand that Rinku has played two matches and is a good player, but if you keep Sanju in the side and add Abhishek at the top, the team could become even stronger against a good spin track and a strong spin attack,” he added.