Former India opening batter Aakash Chopra has publicly cast doubt on whether Sanju Samson will retain his position in India's playing eleven for the remaining matches of the ongoing T20 International series against New Zealand. This uncertainty persists even with the final match scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram, which happens to be the wicketkeeper-batter's home ground.
Samson's Struggles Under the Microscope
India currently holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. However, Samson's consistent failures with the bat have placed his spot under intense scrutiny. During the second match in Raipur, the Kerala-born cricketer was dismissed cheaply for the second consecutive game. He was caught at mid-on in the very first over of India's chase, adding to his recent woes.
Chopra's Candid Analysis on YouTube
Speaking extensively on his popular YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra offered a nuanced perspective. He suggested that Abhishek Sharma's early dismissal in the Raipur match actually benefited India by exposing a larger concern. Meanwhile, Samson's repeated mode of dismissal could significantly jeopardize his chances of selection.
"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 explained. "If Abhishek had stayed, it would have been a no-contest, and he got out on his first ball. Sanju got out almost similarly."
A Worrisome Pattern Emerges
Chopra highlighted a recurring and concerning pattern in Samson's dismissals, emphasizing that it is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook. "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 with concern.
Uncertainty Looms Over Home Ground Advantage
The cricket analyst also expressed clear uncertainty regarding Samson's participation in the series finale, despite the emotional factor of 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, leaving the question open.
Mounting Pressure and Competition
The pressure on Sanju Samson to deliver is intensifying, especially with Ishan Kishan rediscovering his explosive form and providing another viable wicketkeeping option for the team. This competition becomes even more critical with the T20 World Cup 2026 looming just a month away, making every performance a potential selection trial.
India's Dominant Batting Display in Raipur
Apart from Samson's struggles, India's batting performance in Raipur was overwhelmingly dominant. Chasing a formidable target of 209 runs, the hosts comfortably wrapped up the victory in just 15.2 overs. Ishan Kishan starred with a blistering 76 runs off merely 32 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav smashed a powerful 82 off 37 deliveries. The 27-year-old Suryakumar was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
India will now aim to secure an unassailable series lead when the teams clash in Guwahati for the third match of this five-match T20I contest. The focus, however, remains sharply on individual performances and selection dilemmas as the team builds towards major global tournaments.
