Cricket fever grips Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the fifth and final T20I between India and New Zealand at Greenfield Stadium. Local lad Sanju Samson stands at a crossroads, needing a match-winning performance to end his slump and secure his T20 World Cup future.
Samson’s series has been a tale of woe: 40 runs in four games, topping at 24. Elevated to open in place of Shubman Gill and trusted behind the stumps, he’s struggled to justify the faith. Ishan Kishan’s explosive 76 in game two has intensified the competition for keeper-batter spots.
This home fixture is Samson’s golden chance. India’s dominance at Greenfield—three victories from four T20Is, first-innings average 155, record 235 vs Australia—adds optimism. A ton or near it could catapult him back into selectors’ plans for 2026.
Tune in at 7 PM IST via Star Sports broadcast or JioHotstar stream. Suryakumar Yadav’s men aim to seal the series triumphantly.
**Full India XI Pool:** Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi.
**NZ Contingent:** Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Jacob Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi.
Samson’s date with destiny awaits.