The exclusion of Sanju Samson from the playing XI once again in India's opening T20I against South Africa in Cuttack raises the eyebrows of fans and experts, while Shubman Gill continues to struggle as a T20I opener, adding fuel to the debate that goes on ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Samson, on the other hand, has been in good form lately in domestic cricket. Playing for Kerala in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, the keeper-batter has been performing consistently and also showed why he remains one of India’s most dangerous T20 batsmen. Shubman Gill Holds onto Opening Spot Despite Dip in T20Is Despite Sanju Samson’s form, India’s vice-captain in T20Is, Shubman Gill, continues to be backed as an opener. In contrast, though Gill's overall T20 numbers look solid, a clear dip can be seen when his T20I record is compared with that of his domestic and league performances. Shubman Gill's T20 Stats: Format Matches Inns No Runs HS Avg Balls SR T20s 173 170 25 5384 129 37.13 3870 139.12 Shubman Gill's T20Is stats: Format Matches Inns No Runs HS Avg Balls SR T20Is 34 34 5 841 126* 29.00 598 140.63 These numbers clearly indicate that Gill has found it harder to score freely at the international level, especially in the powerplay. Also Read | Explained: Why JioStar Backed Out of the ICC Deal Before the 2026 T20 WC Sanju Samson's Hot Form in SMAT 2025 Sanju Samson has been among the star batters of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, scoring 233 runs in six innings at an average of 58.25. Yet, he was dropped from India’s XI in the first T20I against South Africa. Earlier in the Australia tour, Samson had been asked to bat at number three instead of his opening slot which led to his low scores. However, his performances in SMAT have once again strengthened his case as an opener. Samson vs Gill as T20I Openers A closer look at their numbers as openers shows a clear contrast. Sanju Samson as Opener in T20Is Position Matches Inns NO Runs HS Avg SR Opener 17 17 1 522 111 32.62 178.77 Shubman Gill as Opener in T20Is Position Matches Inns NO Runs HS Avg SR Opener 34 34 5 841 126* 29 140.64 The difference in strike rate clearly highlights Samson's impact at the top compared to Gill. Also Read | T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Dates, Times, Fixtures, Teams & Venues Announced Different Styles, Same Goal The debate is not only about the numbers, but also about the approach. Sanju Samson is considered an aggressive scorer and is often known for bigger hits. He goes after the bowlers early, and his game can change within a few overs. His impact in the powerplay is a big positive factor. Shubman Gill brings calmness and control. He builds his innings patiently, rotates strike well, and adjusts to different conditions. Stability at the top is what he offers. Who Should Open in T20 World Cup 2026? With Abhishek Sharma almost confirmed as one opener, the fight is for the second spot. Gill's consistency and the leadership quality has kept him in the side, while Samson's strike rate and recent form make a strong case. The selectors have an important call to make. Samson brings rapid runs and wins matches; Gill brings balance and structure. It could be a call on pitch, opposition, match situation. As the T20 World Cup 2026 is coming closer, this debate is going to grow louder.