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Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav addressed the selection dilemma surrounding Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan after his team's 46-run win over New Zealand in the 5th T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. India won the game convincingly to wrap up the five-match series 4-1.
Kishan continued his red-hot form with the bat as he starred in India's victory in the 5th T20I with his maiden ton in the format. The explosive left-hander went all guns blazing to smash 103 runs off 43 balls, stealing the limelight at the venue, where all eyes were on home boy Samson.
Kishan's stunning knock was laced with 10 sixes and six fours as he made a mockery of the New Zealand bowling attack, staking a claim for a permanent spot in the playing XI with the T20 World Cup 2026 getting underway next week. His purple patch has coincided with Samson's rough patch at the top.
Samson endured a fifth straight failure in the series on Saturday as he was dismissed cheaply on 6 off 6 balls after opening the innings with Abhishek Sharma. His failure meant Samson finished the series with just 46 runs from five matches, invoking concerns for the Indian team management ahead of the showpiece event.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, questions have been raised about Samson's form as he continues to flop at the top. Many feel Kishan should be slotted at the top to open with Abhishek once Tilak Varma returns fully fit at no.3 amid Samson's horror run. When asked about the selection dilemma, Suryakumar said a final call will be made on February 07.
“Tilak Varma’s status remains uncertain. I’ve got to know that he’s batting well and looking sharp. His return would create a selection dilemma, as all 15 squad members are playing XI contenders. The final call on Ishan Kishan versus Sanju Samson for the opener role will be revealed on February 7th," said Suryakumar after India's victory in the 5th T20I.
India will open their campaign against USA in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 07. India will lock horns with USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It remains to be seen if the team management will continue backing Samson for the opening slot or will they replace him with Kishan at the top after Tilak returns.
The Indian squad will assemble in Mumbai next week to begin their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026. The hosts are reportedly set to play South Africa in a warm-up game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, before locking horns with USA in their opening game of the World Cup on February 07.
India will then take on Namibia in their next group game on February 12, before locking horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in a blockbuster clash in Colombo on February 15. India will face Netherlands in their final group-stage clash on February 18.
