Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin made a huge remark on Team India star Sanju Samson after the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia. The Men in Blue emerged victorious, winning by 93 runs in Delhi on Thursday, February 12.

Sanju Samson opened the batting against Namibia as Abhishek Sharma missed out, recovering from stomach illness. Samson could not utilise the opportunity completely, failing to play a big knock. He started well, but threw his wicket away. The batter was dismissed for 22 runs off eight balls, hitting a four and three sixes at a strike rate of 275.

Ashwin reckoned that Samson looked like a batter who was searching for runs. While Samson showed glimpses of his ability, he stated that India would want Abhishek to be fit soon.

“Sanju Samson looks like a batter who is searching for runs. There are many things going on in his mind. The team really backed him and gave the opportunity again. But they will be hoping for Abhishek Sharma’s comeback, because he is a big player,” he said on ‘Ash ki Baat‘.

Ashwin also added that Samson lacked clarity in his head, which reflected in the way he was dismissed. He tried to flick a slower ball but ended up tapping it to deep mid-wicket. Samson was already through with the shot and too early on it, missing the timing completely.

“Samson first flicked a ball on the leg for a six. The timing was good and intent was right. But the next time, he just tapped it, there was a mid-wicket as well, and he just tapped. That looked like someone who is not very clear in his head. It looked like he had premeditated where he wanted to hit the ball. In many ways, a lot of players go through his mental state. It is important to address that. If I am going and telling him something, I would tell him to forget everything, take it as a fresh day. I want that Samson who scores a 100. Even if you are out, it is okay. Play freely and don’t think a lot.”

Should Abhishek be fit for the next game against Pakistan on February 15, Samson will make way for the left-hander.

Ravichandran Ashwin on India’s bowling combination against Pakistan

Talking about India’s bowling combination against Pakistan, Ravichandran Ashwin reckoned that the Men in Blue should go with three spinners. While he backed Kuldeep Yadav to play the game, he reflected that playing a fourth spinner in Washington Sundar would be a bit of a stretch.

Ashwin also added that for Kuldeep to come in, Arshdeep Singh would have to miss out, with the two pacers being Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

“I think it will be a stretch. If Abhishek comes back, you will still have four spinners. He can also bowl left-arm spin. So I think the chance of Washi playing is very less. But Kuldeep will play for sure. I think India will go with two fast bowlers – Bumrah and Hardik, and they will play three spinners. It is unfortunate that Arshdeep will miss out. But they will have to play Kuldeep. He has done well against Pakistan always too,” he said.

Given that the game against Pakistan will be played in Colombo, a venue that has assisted spin, the Indian spinners will have a massive role to play. Against Namibia, Varun Chakaravarthy bagged three wickets while Axar Patel claimed two. Kuldeep added to that will make it a deadly spin trio.