India vs New Zealand T20I Series: Sanju Samson could end up losing his place as the first-choice pick in India's playing XI in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, given his current batting form since making his return to the side. Samson got a promising start in the fourth T20I match against New Zealand, but couldn't capitalise to register another low score to his name.
Samson was dismissed for 24 runs, which he scored in 15 balls on the back of three fours and a six. He was cleaned up by Mitchell Santner in the seventh over of India's run chase. Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, who was in the commentary during Samson's dismissal, was quick to react as he pointed out a technical flaw in the star wicketkeeper-batter's approach to a delivery that spun. New Zealand ended up winning the fourth T20I by 50 runs, making it 1-3 in the ongoing series as India fell short in the end.
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"My first impression is that there was no footwork at all," Gavaskar remarked. “Not very sure whether there was any turn. First impression was he was just standing there making room and playing through the offside."
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"Like I said, hardly any movement of the feet. Going outside leg-stump, once again exposing all three stumps, and when you miss, the bowler’s going to hit, and that’s what happened to Sanju Samson the second time around," he added.
Samson, who has managed to score just 40 runs in the first four matches of the series at an average of 10, has been preferred as the other opener alongside Abhishek Sharma despite Ishan Kishan's recent impressive performances. The latter has scored 112 runs in three games, but missed the last match due to a niggle. Kishan made his return to the side after a long while on the back of outstanding efforts in domestic cricket. He helped Jharkhand lift their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title on the back of a match-winning century in the final.
While Samson's struggle continues, India might come up with a big call ahead of or during the T20 World Cup. What’s more concerning is that Samson’s below-par performances have come on flat decks where both India and New Zealand batters have smashed big runs for fun.