India may have sealed the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a 3–0 lead, but one worrying issue continues to follow the team Sanju Samson poor batting form. With the T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away, the wicketkeeper-batter’s struggles have become a major talking point for fans and selectors alike.
Despite multiple chances at the top of the order, Samson has failed to convert starts, raising serious questions about his place in India’s World Cup plans.
Sanju Samson Performance in IND vs NZ T20I Series
Sanju Samson has opened the innings in this series but has not been able to make an impact. His dismissals have come early, often exposing technical issues against swing and straight deliveries.
Sanju Samson – Series Stats (IND vs NZ T20Is)
| Match | Venue | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Nagpur | 10 | 7 |
| 2nd T20I | Raipur | 6 | 5 |
| 3rd T20I | Guwahati | 0 | 1 |
| Total | — | 16 runs | 13 balls |
Average: 5.33
Strike Rate: Below expectations for a top-order batter
Another Failure in the 4th T20I at Vizag
In the 4th T20I at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, Samson once again failed to deliver. Chasing a challenging 215-run target, he got out for 24 runs, caught off Mitchell Santner’s bowling. India slipped early in the chase, putting pressure on the middle order.
This marked four consecutive low scores, further intensifying debate around his selection.
Technical Issues Under the Spotlight
Samson’s weakness against in-swinging deliveries and straight lines around middle stump has been repeatedly exposed. In the third T20I, he was bowled first ball by Matt Henry, a dismissal that drew sharp criticism and social media reactions.
Former cricketers have pointed out that Samson is struggling to adapt quickly in powerplay situations — a crucial skill for modern T20 openers.
Team Management Backs Samson
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has publicly backed Samson, stating that he is just “one good innings away” from regaining form. According to the team management, Samson has looked positive in practice sessions, and India’s strong results have allowed patience.
However, experts like Aakash Chopra have suggested that Ishan Kishan strong form could force a change, especially with World Cup selection deadlines approaching.
T20 World Cup 2026 Selection Pressure
India will enter the T20 World Cup 2026 as defending champions, and consistency at the top of the order is critical. Samson’s average as an opener since 2025 remains around 17, which is a concern at the international level. With only one match left in the series, Samson may be running out of time to prove his case.
While India continue to dominate the series, Sanju Samson’s form remains a growing concern ahead of the T20 World Cup. One big knock could change the narrative, but failure in the final match may open the door for alternatives like Ishan Kishan.
