IND vs NZ, Thiruvananthapuram T20I: Sanju Samson disappoints in front of home crowd

India endured another mixed start after choosing to bat against New Zealand in the fifth T20I at Thiruvananthapuram, with both openers dismissed inside the first ten overs. Once again, the spotlight fell on Sanju Samson, who failed to capitalise on the opportunity in front of his home crowd. The wicketkeeper-batter managed just six runs from six deliveries before being caught by Bevon Jacobs off Lockie Ferguson, extending a worrying run of form in T20 internationals.

Samson’s struggles are underlined by his recent numbers. Across his last 16 T20I innings, he has scored 268 runs at an average of 16.75, with a strike rate of 128.22. During this period, he has crossed fifty only once, with a top score of 56, while several starts have ended in single-digit scores, raising questions over his consistency at the top of the order.

Abhishek Sharma provided early impetus with an attacking 30 off 16 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries, before holing out. At the halfway stage, India were 102 for 2, with captain Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan rebuilding and keeping the innings on track.

India had already secured the five-match series by winning the first three games, though New Zealand kept the contest alive with a commanding victory in the fourth T20I. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, India will be eager to end the series on a high at home, while the visitors aim to carry forward their renewed momentum.