As the sun sets on the India-New Zealand T20 series, all attention turns to Saturday’s finale at Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. With a 3-1 lead, India seeks to polish rough edges before the global showdown, while New Zealand fights for pride.
Amid the buildup, Sanju Samson emerges as the pivotal figure. The Kerala native, playing his first T20I at home, carries the weight of recent failures—just 40 runs in four games. Top-order woes persist, especially timing against quicks, culminating in a Santner-induced edge in the fourth T20.
Friday’s nets session became a spectacle, packed with reporters, camera crews, and ecstatic locals. Samson drilled corrections to his batting flaws, aware that Ishan Kishan’s imminent comeback threatens his berth. Despite the series win, his inclusion is all but confirmed in this pressure-cooker atmosphere.
Sitanshu Kotak remained optimistic: ‘Sanju’s seniority and skill are unquestioned. Form dips happen; he’s due for a big one.’ With home fans roaring, this match is Samson’s platform to erase doubts, showcase explosiveness, and cement his role as India’s go-to keeper-batsman for the T20 World Cup.