Sanju Samson vs Rishabh Pant: Who Is Better? IPL & T20Is Stats Comparison

Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are currently India’s two top wicketkeeper-batsmen. Both are trying to make their mark, with Pant surpassing Samson in the number of matches he has played for India in the T20 format.

Pant made his T20I debut against England in February 2017. So far, he has scored 1,209 runs in 76 matches in this format at an average of 23.25, including three half-centuries.

Samson, on the other hand, made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July 2015. However, facing stiff competition for the wicketkeeper spot in the Indian team, he had to wait until 2020 for his next match in the shorter format.

Sanju Samson vs Rishabh Pant IPL Stats

Sanju Samson has more experience than Rishabh Pant, having played 177 matches while Pant has only played 125. Both have nearly identical batting averages, but Rishabh Pant has a slightly higher strike rate of 147.61.

Sanju Samson vs Rishabh Pant T20Is Stats

Rishabh Pant has more experience than Sanju Samson, having played 76 matches while Samson has only played 51. Both have nearly identical batting averages, but Sanju Samson has a slightly higher strike rate of 147.40.

Statistical comparison

Looking at their head-to-head statistics, Samson has a higher average. This could be because he has played fewer innings, giving him fewer opportunities to fail. Pant, on the other hand, has a slightly lower average because he has faced more international bowlers in different situations, which reflects his ability to perform well under pressure. Samson has a slightly lower strike rate, but the difference is not significant enough to rate him as a fast-scoring batsman.

Both players have scored a century each, but Pant has more half-centuries, which shows how much he can contribute to consistently good scores. Their six-hitting abilities are roughly equal, with Pant having a slight edge, perhaps due to his naturally aggressive batting style.

Role in team strategy 

Both players bring unique qualities to the Indian team. Samson plays as a calculated risk-taker, can anchor an innings or accelerate scoring when needed, and often delivers match-winning performances. Pant, known for his explosive style, can turn matches around with his aggressive batting, often shifting momentum at crucial moments.

From a wicketkeeping perspective, Pant has been more reliable, especially in his catching, which is crucial in the IPL and T20Is, where every wicket matters. Samson, though capable, has had fewer opportunities to showcase his abilities behind the stumps in international matches.

Conclusion 

Both Samson and Pant are strong contenders, yet when looking at average and impact per innings, the numbers slightly favor Samson. However, Pant’s vast experience, more matches, and ability to perform well under pressure could make him a smart tactical choice for a major event like the Champions Trophy. The selectors face a difficult choice, but one thing is certain: both players can perform well when needed, shaping the future of the modern wicketkeeper-batsman in Indian cricket.

Read More: Joe Root vs Virat Kohli: Who is Better? ODI, T20, And Test Comparison

FAQs: People Also Ask

Q1. Who is better, Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson?

Rishabh Pant is generally considered to be the more experienced game-changer and a strong wicketkeeper.

Q2. What inspired Sanju Samson to enter cricket?

Sanju was inspired by great cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. His father, who had played football, also supported and inspired him to pursue a career in cricket.

Q3. What is Sanju Samson’s highest score in T20 cricket?

Sanju’s highest T20 performance is 119 runs in 63 balls in the IPL while playing for Rajasthan Royals.

Q4. Which IPL team is Rishabh Pant in?

Rishabh Pant played for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Q5. Which IPL team is Sanju Samson in?

Sanju Samson represented Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 2025 IPL season.