India’s Sanju Samson is clean bowled by New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner during the fourth Twenty20 international cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on January 28, 2026. (Photo by Noah SEELAM / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —

In the Twenty20 series against New Zealand, fans are worried that Sanju Samson has disappointed despite getting a chance as an opener in four consecutive matches. Sanju’s scores are 6, 10, 0, 24. There is one match left. It is in Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju’s hometown. India, who have already won the series, are likely to play Sanju in Thiruvananthapuram as well. If he fails to shine here too, it is doubtful that Sanju will play in the Twenty20 World Cup. When Thilak Verma, who is in the World Cup squad but is currently sidelined with an injury, returns, Sanju will have to fight if he lands in Thiruvananthapuram to avoid losing his place in the playing XI.

What happened to Sanju?

A form out as happens to any cricketer. But last year he scored 238 runs in 14 innings. Only one fifty of which was against Oman. It can be said that Sanju’s troubles started in the series against England early last year. The England bowlers continued to throw shot balls and try to trap Sanju, and Sanju tried to pull a shot and got out in that series. After that, he got a place in the Asia Cup, but the lack of stability in the batting slot also affected his performance.

Kishan instead of Sanju?

After much waiting and neglect, Sanju got the role of opener against New Zealand. But Sanju could not capitalize on it. Scored 40 runs from four matches. Meanwhile, another wicket-keeper batsman, Ishan Kishan, also smashed against New Zealand. Ishan satisfied not only the fans but also the team management with his brilliant strokes. Scored 112 runs including a fifty in three matches. Therefore, the observation of cricket experts is that when Tilak Verma returns, Sanju will be replaced by Ishan.

ENGLISH SUMMARY:

The upcoming 5th T20I between India and New Zealand at Thiruvananthapuram is a make-or-break game for local hero Sanju Samson. After a string of low scores (6, 10, 0, 24) in the first four matches, Samson’s spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 playing XI is under serious threat. In contrast, Ishan Kishan has made a thunderous comeback, scoring 112 runs in three innings, including a record-breaking 21-ball fifty in Raipur. With Tilak Varma set to return from injury, the team management faces a tough choice between Samson’s flair and Kishan’s current momentum. Cricket experts, including Harbhajan Singh, have warned that Samson must deliver in Karyavattom to secure his place as Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner. India currently leads the series 3-1, but the focus remains on individual form ahead of the World Cup starting February 7. Samson’s struggle against short-ball tactics from England and New Zealand has raised technical concerns. Fans in Kerala are hopeful that playing at home will help Samson rediscover his rhythm. This final match of the series will likely decide the wicket-keeper batter’s role in India’s title defense campaign. Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis of the IND vs NZ T20 final.

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