Sanju Samson‘s lean run with the bat continues India vs New Zealand The T20I series has once again come under the scanner. with Ishan Kishi Debate has gathered pace around India’s opening combination ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which has lit up the competition from the middle order.
Sanju Samson is under pressure as Ishan Kishan makes a statement
The pressure is slowly but surely on Samson to grab the opening slot. In the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, Samson endured back-to-back low scores, failing to provide India with strong starts despite being backed at the top of the order. With the short turnaround of the T20 World Cup 2026 in mind, every tour is now viewed through the lens of long-term selection.
On the other hand, Kishan has returned to the international scene with a bang. In the second T20I, the left-hander smashed a breathtaking 76 off just 32 balls to power India to a mammoth run of 209 runs off 16 overs in the second T20I. His fearless batting and natural aggression made many think that he could be a more suitable opening partner. Abhishek Sharma it goes forward.
with Tilak Varma Expected to return from injury later in the series, India suddenly found themselves spoiled for choice. Competition for spots intensified and Samson’s struggles inevitably fueled speculation about a possible change at the top.
Ravichandran Ashwin on the possibility of Kisha replacing Samson as an opener
Amidst the noise, the former India comprehensively Ravichandran Ashwin He strongly defended Samson. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin cautioned against reactionary selection calls, rejecting the idea of making quick changes based on a few games.
Ashwin stressed that chopping and changing players based on short-term form can damage team culture and confidence. He noted that Samson had recently been reinstated as an opener and deserved more time to express himself. According to Ashwin, penalizing a batsman while playing an attacking stroke sends the wrong message, especially in T20 cricket where intent is key.
“It’s too early to think about dropping him. If India continue to put on circuses like Sanju when he was playing well and now Kishan, now that he’s playing well, there’s no telling how it’s going to end for India. It’s not ideal in the dressing room. There’s a lot of competition for places, but it’s too early for that to change,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
The veteran spinner also emphasized that Samson’s dismissal in the second T20I was not the result of panic or poor decision-making. Instead, it was an instinctive attacking option that just didn’t work out – something that is part and parcel of modern T20 batting.
“It will be very unfair. This opening combination has only been restored in the last two games. The player came out attacking. If you punish him for that and bench him, how are you going to witness the best of that player? It wasn’t bleeding or not being calm. He just saw the ball, how you should have let it go) (20I) bat instinctively, but it didn’t go his way.” he added.
Huge expectations as India plans to defend the title
As India looks ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026, the team management faces a delicate balancing act. Both Samson and Kishan are match-winners in their own right, capable of changing the game within a few overs. While Kisha’s explosive return bolsters his case, Samson’s ability to anchor and accelerate is highly regarded. With a packed schedule and intense competition for places, consistency and clarity will be key.
Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Explains Why T20 World Cup 2026 Won’t Get Fans Excited
