The picturesque Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram was supposed to be the stage for a grand homecoming. Instead, it became a silent witness to what might be the final chapter of Sanju Samson’s audition for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
After a string of low scores, the fifth T20I against New Zealand didn’t just bring another failure with the bat; it brought a tactical shift that signals a massive change in the Indian team hierarchy.
The "Important Duty" Shift: Ishan Kishan Takes the Gloves
The biggest talking point from the series finale wasn't just Samson’s score of 6 off 6 balls. It was the optics behind the stumps. ,Magicwin Despite being the designated wicketkeeper for the majority of the series, Samson was "removed" from wicketkeeping duties for the final match, with Ishan Kishan donning the gloves.
In the world of cricket selection, these moves are rarely random. With the T20 World Cup just days away, handing the gloves to Kishan—who responded by smashing a blistering maiden T20I century (103 off 43 balls)—is a clear indicator that the management has found their preferred keeper-batter.
A Horror Series in Numbers
Sanju Samson entered the New Zealand series with the wind in his sails, but the statistics at the end of the five matches tell a damning story:
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Total Runs: 46
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Average: 9.2
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Highest Score: 24
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Scores: 10, 6, 0, 24, 6
For an opening batter in a high-scoring series where India posted totals as high as 271, an average of 9.2 is hard to defend. While Samson’s talent has never been in question, his consistency—or lack thereof—has once again become the focal point of national debate.
The Technical Pattern: A New Weakness?
Former India opener Aakash Chopra and other experts have pointed out a worrying technical pattern. In 2025, Samson was often undone by the short ball against England. In this series against the Kiwis, the mode of dismissal shifted to fuller deliveries and pace-on-length balls.
As per NewsBytes, 4 out of his 5 dismissals in this series came against pace bowlers. His struggle to survive the PowerPlay—averaging just over 12 against pace since January 2025—is a luxury India cannot afford at a World Cup.
Big Signal for the T20 World Cup
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar didn't mince words during the broadcast, suggesting the "debate is settled." With Tilak Varma expected to return to the XI once fit and Ishan Kishan finding a "purple patch" at the top of the order alongside Abhishek Sharma, Samson’s path to the starting XI looks increasingly blocked.
Why this is a "Big Signal":
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Confidence vs. Ability: As Gavaskar noted, this isn't about ability, but form. In a World Cup, you back the "hot hand." Right now, that’s Kishan.
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Home Ground Failure: Failing in Thiruvananthapuram, his home turf, adds an emotional weight to the dismissal. The "pin-drop silence" at the stadium reflected a fan base that knows the clock is ticking.
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Wicketkeeping Hierarchy: By giving Kishan the gloves in the final game, Gautam Gambhir and the team management have signaled who they trust behind the stumps for the big tournament.
Final Thoughts: Is There a Way Back?
Sanju Samson remains one of the most gifted timers of the ball in Indian cricket. However, international cricket is a game of results. With India clinching the series 4-1, the team looks settled, but the "Samson slot" is the one piece of the puzzle that seems to have fallen out of place.
Barring an injury to the top order or a radical change in strategy, it appears that the "Sanju Era" at the top of the order might be taking a backseat just as the World Cup curtain rises.