India's top-order conundrum has become a talking point in cricketing circles, especially with the expected return of Tilak Varma to the playing XI. The emergence of Ishan Kishan and the existing presence of Sanju Samson have added layers of complexity to the team selection process ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Currently, the top order features Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, but Ishan Kishan's recent performance has thrown a wrench into the works. In the second T20I against New Zealand, Kishan's explosive innings of 76 runs off 32 balls earned him the Player of the Match award and has reopened the debate about India's opening pair. Meanwhile, Samson has had modest returns in the recent matches.

The return of Tilak Varma, who had already cemented his place in the playing XI before his injury, further complicates the equation. To accommodate Samson, Kishan, and Varma in the same team, one of them might have to bat lower down the order. Given that Samson has performed best as an opener and Kishan usually bats in the top three, Varma might have to move to the No. 5 position.

Several possible solutions are being discussed to integrate these three players into the lineup. One option is to have Kishan replace Samson at the top of the order. This would allow Varma, an "indispensable member", to play in his favored position at No. 3. However, this combination would result in a top-three consisting entirely of left-handers, which is viewed as "daunting" by some. Another option is to utilize Kishan as a finisher, similar to the role Jitesh Sharma has played. While most of Kishan's T20 success has come at the top or in the middle order, he began his IPL career as a finisher for the Gujarat Lions. He also has a good strike rate of 191 in the death overs in his T20 career.

According to Aakash Chopra, Ishan Kishan's recent performance has put Sanju Samson under pressure to perform. Samson has scored just 6 and 10 runs in the first two T20Is against New Zealand, and if he fails to perform in the third T20I, he risks being dropped from the starting lineup.

The team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, faces a challenging task in finding the right balance and combination for the top order. With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the upcoming matches are crucial for players to showcase their form and stake their claim for a spot in the team. The selection will depend on various factors, including current form, past performance, and the team's overall strategy.