Former India wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik has made his thoughts clear regarding ousted batter Sanju Samson amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Samson has lost his opening slot to Ishan Kishan after his remarkable comeback into the Indian team. 

Team India suffered a thumping loss to South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on February 22 in their opening Super 8 encounter, with their semifinal berth is at stake ahead of the much-anticipated Zimbabwe clash.

With Abhishek Sharma struggling for form throughout the tournament, the opening partnership has become a headache for the Men in Blue.

To tackle the situation, there are talks going around for the inclusion of Samson in the playing XI, replacing Tilak Varma, who has struggled so far.

Karthik has come forward in support of the Kerala wicketkeeper, sympathising with him. He talked about Sanju’s inclusion in the playing XI vs Zimbabwe.

"What a beautiful story it'll be if he actually ends up playing. He has had such a rough last year. I feel for that kid because he was doing very well. Then Shubman Gill replaced him, and after that, when he got his opportunity again, Sanju didn't grab it.

But we know Sanju Samson can be such a weapon, especially against spin," he said on his Instagram handle.  

"And now having moved from RR to CSK, having become the adopted son of Chennai, the Chennai crowd will love it. I cannot be more happy for Sanju if he plays and does well because he's going to be spending the next three months in Chennai. What a comeback it'll be to have it in Chennai," he concluded.

Samson has made an appearance in this T20 World Cup against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, and had a decent outing, scoring a brisk eight-ball 22.

He was brought in to replace Abhishek Sharma, who was battling with stomach issues at that time.