Dubai: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has credited India’s tactical decision to promote Sanju Samson to the opening position while shifting Ishan Kishan to No. 3 as a key factor behind the team’s historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

India created history earlier this month by becoming the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title. The team sealed the championship with a commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand in the final played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

According to Ponting, the bold batting reshuffle proved to be a decisive turning point in India’s campaign.

Tactical change during the tournament

The change in batting order came midway through the tournament after Ishan Kishan, who had been opening the batting in India’s first five matches, registered a duck in the Super 8 clash against South Africa.

Following that setback, the team management decided to bring Sanju Samson back to the opening slot while moving Kishan to No. 3.

Samson had earlier lost his place as an opener after struggling during a bilateral series against New Zealand. However, once reinstated at the top of the order, he delivered a series of outstanding performances.

The wicketkeeper-batter scored 321 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 80.25, playing a crucial role in India’s successful title defence.

Ponting calls it a ‘big call’

Ponting described the decision to change the batting order as a significant and bold move by the Indian team management.

“It was actually a big call to make – moving Ishan Kishan down the order to bring Sanju Samson back to the top. That’s a major decision, but one that worked out really well in the end,” Ponting said during an interview with the ICC.

He emphasised that such decisions require strong belief from the captain and coaching staff, especially when a player is going through a difficult phase.

Ponting, who has also worked as a coach in franchise cricket, said players often perform better when they receive consistent support from the team leadership.

Importance of backing from team management

The former Australian captain highlighted that confidence and reassurance from captains and coaches can have a huge impact on a player’s performance.

“As a player – and I’m speaking here as a coach and former captain as well – all you really need is the backing of the captain and coaching staff,” Ponting explained.

He added that sometimes simple gestures of support can help players regain confidence.

“A pat on the back or an arm around the shoulder, with someone saying, ‘We’re sticking with you, we believe in you,’ is sometimes all a player needs to hear,” he said.

According to Ponting, the support Samson received from the Indian leadership group appeared to play a crucial role in his resurgence during the tournament.

Samson delivers match-winning performances

Sanju Samson’s return to the top of the order produced several match-winning innings during the latter stages of the tournament.

His breakthrough performance came in a crucial match against the West Indies, where he scored an unbeaten 97 in what was effectively a virtual quarter-final for India.

He followed that performance with another impressive knock of 89 runs in the semi-final against England, helping India secure a narrow seven-run victory.

Samson then continued his remarkable form in the final, scoring another 89 runs to help India defeat New Zealand by a comfortable margin.

Ponting said the Indian team appeared to have recognised Samson’s importance during the latter part of the tournament.

“It felt like the team had decided that if they were going to win the tournament, they needed Sanju at the top of the order playing his best cricket and full of confidence,” he said.

Recognition for Samson’s performances

For his outstanding performances throughout the tournament, Sanju Samson was named the Player of the Tournament.

His contributions with the bat played a central role in India’s title-winning campaign.

Samson was also included in the ICC’s Team of the Tournament, alongside his Indian teammates Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.

The inclusion of four Indian players in the tournament’s best XI highlighted the team’s overall dominance during the competition.

Conclusion

Ricky Ponting’s remarks underline the importance of strategic decision-making and strong leadership in international cricket. India’s decision to reshuffle their batting order and restore Sanju Samson as opener proved to be a masterstroke that helped the team successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.

The move not only revitalised Samson’s form but also strengthened India’s batting lineup at a crucial stage of the tournament, ultimately contributing to their historic achievement.