IND vs NZ: Sanju Samson's Misery Continues, India Opener Fails To Capitalize On Home Soil In Trivandrum

India vs New Zealand: India opener Sanju Samson once again struggled in the T20I series, failing to deliver in front of his home crowd in Thiruvananthapuram during the fifth and final match against New Zealand.

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Sanju Samson's Poor Form Continues In T20Is

Fans at the Greenfield International Stadium had high expectations of seeing their local hero play a blazing knock, but the 31-year-old disappointed with another underwhelming performance. Samson faced six balls, scoring just six runs at a strike rate of 100.00, including a solitary boundary. His innings ended in the third over when Lockie Ferguson dismissed him.

Across the five matches of the series, the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter managed only 46 runs in five innings, averaging 9.20 with a strike rate of 135.29. Despite being given the opportunity to open the innings, a position he has long preferred, Samson failed to rediscover his explosive form.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, Samson’s poor run of form is becoming a major concern for the Indian team management. His inability to capitalize on chances, even in familiar conditions, raises serious questions about his consistency and place in the squad.

ALSO READ: India Batting Coach Backs Sanju Samson Amidst Poor Form In Ongoing T20I Series Against New Zealand

Samson made her T20I debut in 2015 against Zimbabwe at Harare. In the T20Is, the 31-year-old played 56 matches and 48 innings, scoring 1072 runs at a strike rate of 147.86 and an average of 24.36. He slammed three centuries and three fifties for the Men in Blue.

India Propel To 271/5 In 5th T20I Against New Zealand

India locked horns against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I match of the series on Saturday, January 31.

India won the toss and decided to bat against the Kiwis.

Suryakumar Yadav (63 runs from 30 balls) and Ishan Kishan (103 runs from 43 balls) solidified a 137-run partnership, which helped the Men in Blue in the first innings. Later, Hardik Pandya's (42 runs from 17 balls) clutch knock powered India to 271/5.

New Zealand need to make 272 runs to win the match against India in Trivandrum.