The Indian cricket landscape is buzzing with anticipation as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 draws near. However, for Sanju Samson fans, the latest updates from Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) bring more anxiety than excitement.

With the return of the young sensation Tilak Varma to full fitness, the "selection headache" SKY recently mentioned might just turn into a heartbreak for the Kerala stumper.

The 'Big Update': Tilak Varma is Back

Following the T20I series against New Zealand, Suryakumar Yadav provided a definitive update on Tilak Varma’s recovery. Tilak, who has been sidelined following abdominal surgery, is not just "recovering"—he is match-ready.

"Tilak has been shaping well. He has started batting, bowling, fielding, and everything. Hopefully, we should have him soon," SKY confirmed.

Tilak is scheduled to play warm-up fixtures in Mumbai on February 4th, just days before India's World Cup opener against the USA on February 7th. For the Indian team management, Tilak isn't just a squad player; he is the designated Number 3.

Why This is Bad News for Sanju Samson

The "Tilak Factor" creates a domino effect in the batting order that leaves Sanju Samson in a precarious position. Here is why the walls are closing in:

1. The Numbers Game (46 vs 103)

In the recently concluded series against New Zealand, Sanju Samson was given a "long rope" to cement his place as Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner. The results were underwhelming: 46 runs in five innings.

In stark contrast, Ishan Kishan, who stepped in at No. 3 during the same series, capped it off with a brutal 103 off 43 balls. Kishan’s form has made him "undroppable," and since Tilak Varma is the preferred No. 3, the only way to fit Kishan in is to move him to the opening slot—the very spot Samson currently occupies.

2. The Left-Right Balance

The Indian management is keen on maintaining a left-right combination at the top. With Abhishek Sharma (Left) and Tilak Varma (Left) in the top three, having a right-handed Sanju Samson might seem logical. However, Ishan Kishan (Left) offers a more explosive PowerPlay presence and wicket-keeping reliability that the selectors currently favor over Samson’s inconsistent returns.

3. The Captain’s Sacrifice

Lest we forget, Suryakumar Yadav himself vacated the No. 3 spot for Tilak Varma during the South Africa tour in late 2024, famously stating, "He asked for it, and he delivered. He is batting at three going forward definitely." When a captain is willing to shift his own position to accommodate a youngster, it signals a level of tactical commitment that is hard to break. If Tilak is fit, he plays at 3. If he plays at 3, SKY bats at 4. This leaves only the opening slots and the finisher roles—neither of which Samson has claimed with authority recently.

The Final Reveal: February 7

Suryakumar Yadav has teased a "final reveal" regarding the opening combination on February 7, the day of India's first World Cup match. Magicwin Casino While former players like Robin Uthappa and Ajinkya Rahane have called for "carrying" Samson despite his form, the cold reality of tournament cricket often favors the "hot hand."

With Ishan Kishan brimming with confidence and Tilak Varma returning to reclaim his throne, Sanju Samson might once again find himself as the "reserve" in a tournament he was supposed to headline.