India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson’s lean patch with the bat continued as he was dismissed for 24 off 15 in the fourth T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand in Vizag. The right-handed batter had only managed to score 16 runs in first three matches of the series and couldn’t really get back to form in the penultimate encounter as well.
Sanju’s place in the Playing XI has come under scrutiny after continuous failures in this series with some fans and experts suggesting that Ishan Kishan who has been in some brilliant form should open the proceedings along side Abhishek Sharma in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Sanju hasn’t helped his cause.
Getting out against the new ball…can happen.
Today’s dismissal, to spin…after getting set, is going to hurt. #IndvNZ— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 28, 2026
Thank you Sanju Samson, Forever Grateful. 🙂❤pic.twitter.com/a1evqsW2b9
— CricSachin (@Sachin_Gandhi7) January 28, 2026
Sanju Samson gone for 24 runs off 15 balls, this was supposed to be your day Sanju💔
I won’t be surprised, neither won’t blame anyone, if Ishan Kishan starts over Sanju Samson in 1st match vs USA on 7 February. Very dissapointing performance, when you got this kind of backing!! pic.twitter.com/vRNEISvx1s
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 28, 2026
Sanju Samson can neither keep nor bat,
Why is he in the team? pic.twitter.com/v7lVvZiuvp— Atharv Shukla (@Atharb_) January 28, 2026
Sanju Samson in NZ series pic.twitter.com/5w5zRtPuY0
— Ragaa (@Ragaa_07) January 28, 2026
Sanju Samson has thrown another golden opportunity like he is doing for all these years. This bloke has immense talent that never transforms into performances.
He looks so good when on song but a nothing short makes for his downfall always. He is a match winner on his day but… pic.twitter.com/jvA8y6nRgm
— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) January 28, 2026
Sanju Samson. Playing like what he is known for. pic.twitter.com/dW30UdMuub
— VIKASH KUMAR (@vkc1000) January 28, 2026
Ishan had earlier come in as the back up wicket-keeper in the squad. The left-handed batter has the ability to open the innings as well.
Chasing 216, the hosts had a forgettable start in the fourth T20I as they lost Abhishek on the very first ball and captain Suryakumar Yadav departed soon leaving India at 9/2. Rinku Singh who came in at number four joined hadns with Sanju to provide some resistance before the wicket-keeper batter was cleaned up by Mitchell Santner. Hardik Pandya soon followed his after getting for 2 off 5 by Santner.
Also Read: Ranji Trophy | ‘Can’t Do Anything About…’: Sarfaraz Khan Opens Up About Team Selection
