The ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand has brought India’s opening combination up for debate as the team gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup. With Ishan Kishan delivering a standout performance in the second match, Sanju Samson finds himself under pressure to deliver in the third T20I, scheduled in Guwahati.
In the second T20I in Raipur, India comfortably chased down a formidable target set by New Zealand, securing a dominant 2-0 series lead, powered by explosive contributions from Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav. Kishan’s aggressive innings not only drew widespread acclaim but also sparked fresh debates about the ideal partner for Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order.
Sanju endured yet another disappointing outing in Raipur. He survived an early chance when Devon Conway put down a simple catch in the first over, but failed to make the most of the reprieve. He was dismissed for just six by Matt Henry shortly afterwards. It was his second failure in the series after managing only 10 in the opener.
Sanju’s recent form continues a prolonged lean patch in T20Is. He has now gone eight innings without crossing the 50-run mark, with his overall average in the format dipping below 25 in more than 50 matches. His numbers as an opener since early 2025 have been especially worrying, with a string of modest scores like 26, 5, 3, 1, 16, 37, 10, and 6. Across 2025, he accumulated around 222 runs in 15 matches (from 11 innings), at an average near 20 and a strike rate close to 127, with just a single half-century.
The difference from his impressive 2024 campaign is striking. Promoted to open that year, Samson thrived, hammering three centuries in a short span and cementing his reputation as a formidable power play batter. Even in series as dedicated opener, such as against England, outcomes fell short of expectations. Shifting him to the middle-order also yielded little success.
By 2026, the situation has evolved considerably. India’s prior focus on accommodating Shubman Gill in the T20 line-up has faded, opening the door for Sanju’s return at the top. Kishan’s selection was described by the selectors as offering a reliable wicketkeeping back-up who could also open, clearly establishing competition for the slot.
Kishan’s dynamic display in Raipur, where he attacked from the outset, has heightened this rivalry. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has a track record of making bold, unconventional choices, many of which paid dividends in the IPL. He has also shown a tendency to experiment with left-handers at the top.
With the third T20I offering India an opportunity to clinch the series, the stakes are particularly high for Sanju. A commanding performance could reaffirm his status as the primary opener and wicketkeeper-batter. Persistent struggles, on the other hand, could shift momentum towards Kishan, whose current form presents a strong argument. Guwahati presents an opportunity for Sanju to put the debate to an end.
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