IND vs NZ: 3 reasons why dropping Sanju Samson from XI will benefit India in T20 World Cup 2026

Sanju Samson opened the batting for India in the IND vs NZ T20I series.

Indian Cricket Team made a big change in their top order ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand by promoting Sanju Samson as an opener. Following Shubman Gill’s ouster from the T20I team, Samson was reinstated as opener alongside Abhishek Sharma. They are also expected to take the top slot in T20 World Cup 2026, which will begin next month on February 7.

Shuffling Samson’s batting order continuously has affected his form, which is clearly evident in the ongoing IND vs T20I series. The right-handed batsman has failed to make a mark across all three games, getting out for 10, 6, and 0.

Although Samson is expected to regain his form in the upcoming games, his back-to-back flop performances have added to the Indian Cricket Team’s woes in the top order. Notably, India are set to defend their title in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the T20I series against New Zealand is the stage to prepare for the mega campaign.

With Sanju’s poor returns in first three T20Is, it won’t be a surprise if he gets dropped from XI. On that note, below are three aspects of how dropping him will be beneficial for the Men in-Blue ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

3. Analyse Abhishek-Ishan combo as openers

Both Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan have shown a wonderful form in the T20I series against New Zealand. While the former was Player of the Match (POTM) in the first game in Nagpur for his blistering fifty, the latter earned the same award in the second game in Raipur for his match-winning half-century.

With their aggressive batting style and ability to attack from the start, they are a strong choice for openers. However, India have never tried them together in the past. Therefore, dropping Samson will enable Suryakumar Yadav & Co. to see Abhishek-Ishan combo as openers.

Moreover, India cannot risk trying this combination directly in the World Cup; hence, they should test them in the campaign against the Kiwis.

2. Try Shreyas Iyer in middle-order

Dropping Samson will also allow India to test Shreyas Iyer’s efficiency in the T20I side. Although Iyer is not part of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, he might be needed if the team suffers any injuries in the 20-team tournament.

Notably, Iyer showcased incredible performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Indian selectors also admitted that Iyer justifies his place in the T20I squad but they have no room for him. With the five-match series already in the hosts’ kitty, the right-handed batsman should be allowed to prove his value in the T20I team.

Notably, Tilak Varma is recovering from an injury and if he fails to get fit in time ahead of the World Cup, India would need the services of Iyer. In such a scenario, it is extremely crucial to allow opportunities to the ODI vice-captain against the Black Caps.

1. Test Ishan Kishan as wicket-keeper

While Samson has struggled with his batting in the series, he has done a brilliant job behind the stumps. Due to his inclusion in the playing XI, Kishan has played as a pure batter. Notably, the left-handed batsman has returned to the national team after more than two years.

He is the secondary wicket-keeper in India’s squad and might need to keep the stumps in a few games in the T20 World Cup. Hence, resting Samson will also allow Kishan to get back his rhythm as a wicket-keeper. The 27-year-old has proved his value as a pure batter but the Men-in-Blue should test him as a wicket-keeper ahead of the multi-national tournament.

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