Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has taken a significant step in his preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by training under former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Samson was recently spotted working closely with the World Cup-winning cricketer at the nets, sparking widespread discussion among fans and experts. A video showing Yuvraj offering technical inputs to Samson went viral on Saturday, highlighting the growing mentor-student equation between the two.
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The development comes at a crucial time for Samson, who has been named in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand. The series will serve as a key preparatory phase ahead of the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin next month and will be hosted at home and in Sri Lanka.
Samson’s return to the T20I setup marks an important turnaround after a challenging phase in his international career. Following the Asia Cup 2025, he was dropped from the Indian T20I side and replaced by Shubman Gill for the series against South Africa and Australia. The decision surprised many, as Samson had previously established himself as a regular opener and delivered several impactful performances, including match-winning centuries against Bangladesh in home conditions.
Determined to reclaim his place and add consistency to his game, Samson has sought guidance from Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s most celebrated big-match players. Known for his fearless batting and sharp cricketing mind, Yuvraj has previously mentored several young Indian cricketers, and his association with Samson is being viewed as a positive move ahead of a major global tournament.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who replaced Samson in the T20I squad earlier, addressed questions surrounding his exclusion from the T20 World Cup plans. Speaking to reporters ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand, Gill remained composed and philosophical about the selectors’ decision.
“I am where I have to be, and whatever is written in my destiny, no one can take that from me,” Gill said when asked about missing out on the T20 World Cup squad. He added that every player aims to give their best for the country and respects the choices made by the selection committee. “I always try to stay in the moment, and that makes life simpler,” Gill noted.
India’s international schedule remains packed in the lead-up to the World Cup. The team will play three One-Day Internationals followed by five T20 Internationals against New Zealand. These matches are expected to play a crucial role in finalising combinations and fine-tuning strategies before the marquee event begins on February 7.
For Sanju Samson, the coming weeks represent an opportunity to cement his place in the squad and silence critics who have questioned his consistency at the international level. Training under Yuvraj Singh could provide him with valuable insights, particularly in handling pressure situations—an area where Yuvraj himself excelled during his playing days.
As India gears up for the T20 World Cup, Samson’s renewed focus and mentorship under a seasoned campaigner could prove to be a defining factor in his quest to make a lasting impact on the global stage.