Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns regarding Sanju Samson’s position in the national team following his underwhelming performance in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. With the series currently favoring India 2-0 and the final match set to take place in Thiruvananthapuram, Samson’s recent struggles could jeopardize his spot in the playing XI.
Sanju Samson Under Scrutiny
In the second match of the series held in Raipur, Samson faced criticism after being dismissed in the very first over while chasing a target of 209 runs. This marked his second consecutive low score, leading to intensified scrutiny over his performance. Key highlights from the match include a standout innings from Ishan Kishan, who scored 76 runs off just 32 balls, and Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed an impressive 82 runs off 37 balls.
Aakash Chopra’s Analysis
Chopra discussed the match on his YouTube channel, where he pointed out that Abhishek Sharma’s early dismissal actually served to highlight critical issues within the batting lineup. He suggested that Samson’s recurring failures to capitalize on scoring opportunities might be detrimental to his chances of maintaining his role in future matches. According to Chopra, Samson’s dismissals echo a troubling trend that cannot be overlooked.
- Sanju Samson dismissed for a first-over catch at mid-on.
- Previous matches show a pattern: caught in the deep on pull shots.
- Rachin Ravindra was involved in both dismissals against New Zealand.
“When he gets out, a pattern starts getting created,” Chopra noted, alluding to Samson’s recent performance consistency. As speculation mounts, Chopra expressed uncertainty about whether the wicketkeeper-batter will feature in the next match, especially since it will be played at his home ground.
Ishan Kishan’s Impact
Ishan Kishan’s resurgence in form complicates the situation for Samson. As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the pressure on Samson to deliver results is escalating. Kishan’s performance not only strengthens the team but also provides an alternative option for wicketkeeping, further fueling the competition for spots in the lineup.
Looking Ahead
With eyes set on clinching the series, India will confront New Zealand once more in Guwahati for the third match of the five-match T20I series. The team looks to build on their current momentum and secure a decisive win.
