Former Team India captain Ajinkya Rahane has backed Sanju Samson to retain his place in the playing XI despite his struggles in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. Rahane said that Samson should continue to get chances even after Tilak Varma returns from injury, adding that Ishan Kishan should sit out.
India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, January 25. The team took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. However, Sanju Samson endured another tough outing, falling for a golden duck after being bowled by Matt Henry.
Ishan Kishan Sits Out for Me – Ajinkya Rahane Backs Sanju Samson
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Ajinkya Rahane said that Sanju Samson should remain in the playing XI even after Tilak Varma returns from injury. Rahane added that Ishan Kishan should be dropped, as Samson deserves support regardless of his scores in the next two matches.
Your daily dose of cricket!
“When Tilak Varma comes back, Ishan Kishan sits out for me. Sanju Samson, I’ll back him even if he doesn’t get any runs in the next two T20Is. I am sure the management and the captain are going to back Sanju Samson. He’s a quality player,” Rahane said.
“He just needs to believe in himself. He has the game and the ability. At times in this format, you are going to look ugly, but that’s okay. It’s always about your belief and going out there, playing with freedom, and backing yourself,” he added.
Sanju Samson Has A Different Ability – Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane said that Samson and Abhishek Sharma bring different strengths to the team. He advised Samson to draw confidence from his past performances and focus on expressing himself freely at the crease.
“Let’s not compare him with Abhishek Sharma, who’s at the other end. Sanju Samson has a different ability. He should go out there and think about his old innings and those he has played for the Rajasthan Royals,” Rahane continued.
“Just going out there and expressing himself will get him back in form. Probably a 15-ball 25 or a 20-ball 35 is also okay. But spending that little bit of time and taking the first overs out before taking the game on from there will be ideal for him.”
Ishan Kishan made the most of his chances in Tilak Varma’s absence. The left-handed batter scored a match-winning 76 in the second T20I and a quickfire 28 in the third.
I Don’t Think India Will Make Any Changes – Ajinkya Rahane on Shreyas Iyer
Ajinkya Rahane feels India are unlikely to change their batting order for the fourth T20I against New Zealand. Rahane stated that Shreyas Iyer will not be included in the XI, with the World Cup in mind.
“It looks tough at the moment. Because the batting order looks really set. I remember MS (Dhoni) didn’t like to have any changes. Even if a guy was sitting out for 8-10 matches, he was okay with it. It was always about the combination, especially going into the World Cups. So I don’t think India will make any changes, especially in the batting front,” Rahane said (via the aforementioned source).
However, Rahane said India may rotate their bowlers. He stated that Jasprit Bumrah could be rested, which may open the door for Arshdeep Singh. He added that Axar Patel could return if fit, while Harshit Rana may sit out depending on the final combination.
“Bowling, they’ll probably rest Jasprit Bumrah. Arshdeep Singh will get a game. If Axar Patel is fit, he’ll come back. If the management wants Bumrah to play, then Harshit will sit out, and Arshdeep replaces him,” said Rahane.
The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand will be played in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, January 28.
Also read: Washington Sundar injury update: All-rounder all but ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
