Is the 5th T20I Sanju Samsons Last Chance to Shine?

ByAnupam Pandey,SportsCafe Editor

Today at 6:24 PM

Sanju Samson has faced several shuffles in his batting order. But after getting his opening spot back, Samson has not been able to give his best to the team. Averaging just 10 in the series against New Zealand puts pressure on him, as the T20 World Cup 2026 looms closer.

The T20 World Cup 2026 is just a few days away, and there is a race to open for the Indian team. Previously, Sanju Samson stood far away from the other players in this list, to partner with Abhishek Sharma. But his recent form with the bat has not been good, which eventually pulls him back from the race.

Playing four games in this series, Samson has not been able to prove himself as an opener. His form remains a major concern, which was not seen previously as the other batters took the team to win. But yesterday's loss against New Zealand came as a turning point, as the fans also started to focus on the form of Sanju Samson.

1. Will Samson Prove Himself in 5th T20I?

Sanju Samson has not been able to do well in the T20I series against New Zealand. He remains among the lowest scorers of the team in the current series, despite playing all the games. His highest score in the series also came in the previous match, where he ended up scoring 24 runs.

Sanju Samson in T20I Series vs New Zealand:

First T20I: 10 (7)
Second T20I: 6 (3)
Third T20I: 0 (1)
Fourth T20I: 24 (15)

With that, it can be noted that Samson has scored just 40 runs in 4 matches at an average of 10. This is far lower when compared to the scores of even the middle order batsman. Shivam Dube smashed 65 runs in the last game, and Rinku Singh, who is another middle order batsman, smashed 44 runs in the first T20I, which shows that the Indian team has a strong batting depth.

Sanju Samson's Last 15 T20I Innings:

Innings: 15
Runs: 262
Average: 17.46
Strike Rate: 129.06

On the other hand, while all the batters are able to do well, it is a question for Sanju Samson to know where he gets wrong. The fifth T20I will be a crucial stage for Sanju Samson if he wants to make a comeback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Sanju Samson in 5th match of the Series:

Innings: 6
Not Out: 0
Runs: 141
Average: 23.50
Strike Rate: 142.42
100s: 0
50s: 1

Samson has only registered one half-century since the T20I series against South Africa where he scored two tons. His 50 came against Oman in the Asia Cup 2025, which played a crucial role for the team's win. Despite that, he has not been able to consistently give his best to the Indian team.

2. Who Could Replace Samson?

If Sanju Samson is unable to do well for the Indian team in the next game, the coaching department might have to make some tough decisions. Still, India has a few players who are ready to take up the opening slot in place of Sanju Samson.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan comes as a top contender for taking the opening slot for the Indian team. He has done well in the current series against New Zealand, despite being unavailable for the fourth game due to a niggle. In his comeback series, he smashed 76 runs in the second match, which played a crucial role for India's win.

Ishan Kishan in T20Is:

Innings: 35
Not Out: 1
Runs: 908
Average: 26.70
Strike Rate: 131.59
100s: 0
50s: 7

Along with that, Kishan also played well in the third T20I, after the first wicket came off the very first ball. Scoring 28 runs in the third game has helped Kishan to strengthen his spot in the playing XI of the team. Moreover, he used to open for Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, making him one true contender for the team.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal has also shown some remarkable numbers while opening for the Indian cricket team. But over the last few years, he has not been able to find his place in the T20I setup. And if the BCCI is looking for a replacement when Samson doesn't do well in the 5th T20I, they could also go for Jaiswal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal in T20Is:

Innings: 22
Not Out: 2
Runs: 723
Average: 36.15
Strike Rate: 164.31
100s: 1
50s: 5

Jaiswal has been able to do well for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and has also maintained a striking ability. Ever since the debut of Abhishek Sharma, he has not been able to make it back to the Indian line-up.

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