'Not a good story’ - Former opener questions Sanju Samson’s place in India's XI ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised questions over wicketkeeper Sanju Samson’s place in India’s playing XI even till the end of the T20I series against New Zealand. The series will conclude in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala batter’s hometown. 

Despite the Men in Blue being 2-0 up in the series, the questions over the wicketkeeper-batter’s place have started to arise following a flop show in both matches. Samson got out cheaply for the second time in a row as he was caught at mid-on in the first over of India’s chase at Raipur. 

Chopra also opined that Abhishek Sharma’s early dismissal was a blessing in disguise for India, but stated that Sanju’s failure might hamper his chances of retaining his place in the playing XI. 

"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. If Abhishek had stayed, it would have been a no-contest, and he got out on his first ball. Sanju got out almost similarly," Chopra said on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’.

"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. 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," he concluded.

With Ishan Kishan, who also gives the team a wicketkeeping option, back in form, the Kerala batter will have to deliver in the ongoing series ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 next month.

India go 2-0 up as Kishan scores dominant half-century

Apart from the openers, it was a dominant display by the Indian batters, as they chased down 209 in just 15.2 overs. Returning Ishan Kishan was the star of the show, scoring 76 off just 32 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav, too, played a brilliant knock, scoring 82 off just 37. The 27-year-old was named Player of the Match for his outstanding knock.

India will now look to seal the series in Guwahati, the venue for third match of the five-match T20I series.