The ultimate display of the high-octane T20I series India and New Zealand On January 31, 2026 at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, it was more than just a dead rubber. Although India had already secured the series, the atmosphere in Kerala was as electric as the local hero Sanju Samson took the square. But we see a tactical change during the second innings Ishan Kishi Donning the gloves in place of Samson sent social media into a frenzy and led to intense speculation about India’s choice of stumper for the upcoming film. 2026 T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav explains why Ishan Kishan kept wickets in 5th T20I
The Indian skipper speaking at the press conference after the match Suryakumar Yadav quickly began to clear the air. He revealed that the decision was far from a last-minute reaction to Samson’s recent form or Kisha’s bust century. According to the captain, the team management had already ironed out a specific rotation policy before the start of the series.
The presence of both Kisha and Samson in the XI was necessitated by their absence Tilak Varmahe is currently recovering from surgery. This gave the management a unique opportunity to test both goalkeepers in match conditions. Suryakumar explained that the plan was to systematically split the five-match series, with Samson set to play the first three games and Kishan the last two.
“So before the series we had decided that Sanju Samson would have three games and Ishan two games. Ishan unfortunately missed the last game but he would keep wickets in this match anyway.“, said Suryakumar in the post-game presentation.
He further noted that even though Kishan missed the fourth T20I due to a minor indiscretion, he was always the designated wicketkeeper for the Thiruvananthapuram final. While the explanation was based on logistics, fans and pundits couldn’t help but notice the timing. With India’s opening match of the World Cup USA Scheduled for February 7, giving Kishan game experience suggests he could be a front-runner for the starting goalie role.
Ishan Kisha’s blitz century gives India a 4-1 series win over New Zealand
If his glove was up for debate, Kisha’s batting was an absolute statement of authority. On a surface that rewards gutsy batting, Kishan looked in a different league, smashing his maiden T20I century. His breathtaking 103 off just 43 balls was a masterclass in modern T20 power-hitting, featuring 6 boundaries and an astonishing 10 sixes.
Kisha’s aggression at the top was matched by Suryakumar’s signature 63 off 30 balls and a final knock. Hardik Pandya (42 off 17), pushing India to a mammoth 271/5. This is India’s third-highest in T20I history and leaves New Zealand’s bowlers nowhere to hide.
Despite a valiant effort by the Kiwis’ Finn Allen, who hit a blistering 80, India’s bowling unit was relentless. Arshdeep Singh He took five wickets (5/51) in a career-best performance Akhar Patel‘s 3/33 saw the Black Caps bundle out for 225. The 46-run win not only gave India a 4-1 series win, but also confirmed that the Men in Blue were heading into the race. T20 World Cup 2026 with their engines firing on all cylinders.
Also READ: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav scored a massive knock against New Zealand in the 5th T20I.
