IND Vs NZ: Sanju Samson struggles again on home ground as World Cup hopes take a hit The pressure is clearly mounting on Sanju Samson as his final audition before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 ended in disappointment. Playing the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand at his home venue in Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson once again failed to deliver, managing only 6 runs before getting out early.
The match was played at the Greenfield International Stadium, in front of a crowd that hoped to see their local star shine. Instead, the familiar story continued.
Sanju Samson’s early exit in series finale
India had already sealed the series 3-1, so the final game was more about individual performances than the result. After winning the toss, India chose to bat first. Opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson looked positive but could not stay long at the crease. He scored 6 runs off 6 balls before being dismissed, putting pressure on the middle order once again.
At the time of his dismissal, India were still settling in, with Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan trying to steady the innings on a pitch known for mixed bounce and grip.
Sanju Samson’s numbers tell a worrying story
This five-match series was seen as a make-or-break moment for Sanju Samson, but the stats paint a tough picture.
| Match | Venue | Runs | Balls | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Gwalior | 10 | 7 | Caught |
| 2nd T20I | Delhi | 6 | 5 | Bowled |
| 3rd T20I | Hyderabad | 0 | 1 | LBW |
| 4th T20I | Visakhapatnam | 24 | 15 | Bowled |
| 5th T20I | Thiruvananthapuram | 6 | 6 | Caught |
Total Runs: 46 | Average: 9.20
What this means for Sanju Samson
With the World Cup starting on February 7, 2026, selectors now face a tough call. Despite flashes of brilliance in late 2025, Sanju Samson has struggled against quality pace and spin. With Ishan Kishan back and the team leaning towards left-handed options at the top, Samson’s home-ground failure may prove costly in the final selection race.
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