Kamal Ghorui
Former India batter Aakash Chopra has openly questioned whether Sanju Samson will retain his spot in India’s playing XI for the remainder of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, even with the final match scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram, the wicketkeeper-batter’s home ground. India hold a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, but Samson’s repeated failures have put his place under scrutiny. In Raipur, the Kerala batter was dismissed cheaply for the second match in succession, caught at mid-on in the very first over of India’s chase.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra suggested that Abhishek Sharma’s early dismissal actually helped India address a larger concern, while Samson’s repeated mode of dismissal could hurt his chances. “I was thinking that Abhishek should get out because 200 runs had been scored, and if Abhishek hadn’t gotten out, he would have made it a one-sided match again, and our problem would never have been addressed,” Chopra said. “If Abhishek had stayed, it would have been a no-contest, and he got out on his first ball. Sanju got out almost similarly.” Chopra pointed out a recurring pattern in Samson’s dismissals and said it was becoming difficult to ignore. “Sanju’s problem is that when he gets out, a pattern starts getting created. Against England, he was getting caught in the deep while playing pull shots, and here he got out driving two full balls, once at midwicket and once at mid-on. Rachin Ravindra took the catch both times. It is not a good story,” he added. He also expressed uncertainty over Samson’s place in the final match of the series, despite it being played in his hometown. “Sanju Samson’s fans will be hoping that he will be playing in the last match in Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju’s home. I don’t know,” Chopra concluded. With Ishan Kishan rediscovering form and offering another wicketkeeping option, the pressure is mounting on Samson to deliver, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 just a month away. India’s batting display in Raipur was otherwise dominant. Chasing 209, the hosts wrapped up the target in just 15.2 overs. Ishan Kishan starred with a blistering 76 off 32 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav smashed 82 off 37. The 27-year-old Suryakumar was named Player of the Match for his knock. India will now aim to clinch the series when the teams meet in Guwahati for the third match of the five-match T20I series.
