Former Team India captain Ajinkya Rahane has supported Sanju Samson to retain his place in the playing eleven despite his struggles in the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand. Rahane said that Samson should continue to get chances even after Tilak Verma returns from injury, adding that Ishan Kishan should sit out.
India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20 match 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 faced another tough outing, falling for a golden duck after being bowled by Matt Henry.
Ishan Kishan sat out for me – Ajinkya Rahane supports Sanju Samson
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Ajinkya Rahane said that Sanju Samson should remain in the playing eleven even after Tilak Verma returns from injury. Rahane said that Ishan Kishan should be dropped, as Samson deserves support regardless of his scores in the next two matches.
“When Tilak Verma comes back, Ishan Kishan sits out for me. Sanju Samson, I will support him even if he doesn’t get any runs in the next two T20Is. I am sure the management and the captain will support Sanju Samson. He is a quality player,” Rahane said.
“They just need to believe in themselves. They have the game and the ability. At times in this format you will look ugly, but that’s OK. It’s always about your belief and going out there, playing with freedom and supporting yourself,” he said.
Sanju Samson has different abilities – Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane said that Samson and Abhishek Sharma bring different strengths to the team. He advised Samson to gain confidence from his previous performances and focus on expressing himself openly at the crease.
Rahane further said, “Let’s not compare him with Abhishek Sharma, who is at the other end. Sanju Samson has a different ability. He should go there and think about his old innings and the innings he has played for Rajasthan Royals.”
“Just going out there and expressing himself will get him back in form. Maybe 25 off 15 balls or even 35 off 20 balls is fine. But getting a bit of time out there before starting the game and getting the first over would be ideal for him.”
In the absence of Tilak Verma, Ishan Kishan took full advantage of the opportunity. The left-handed batsman played a match-winning 76 runs in the second T20I and a quickfire 28 runs in the third.
I don’t think India will make any changes – Ajinkya Rahane on Shreyas Iyer
Ajinkya Rahane feels that India are unlikely to change their batting order for the fourth T20I against New Zealand. Rahane said that keeping the World Cup in mind, Shreyas Iyer will not be included in the eleven.
“At the moment it looks tough. Because the batting order looks really set. I remember MS (Dhoni) didn’t like any changes. Even if someone sat out for 8-10 matches, he had no problem with it. It was always about combinations, especially in the World Cup. So I don’t think India will make any changes, especially on the batting front,” Rahane said (via the above source).
However, Rahane said that India can rotate its bowlers. He said that Jasprit Bumrah could be rested, which could open doors for Arshdeep Singh. He said that Axar Patel may return if fit, while Harshit Rana may sit out depending on the final combination.
“While bowling, they will probably rest Jasprit Bumrah. Arshdeep Singh will get a game. If Axar Patel is fit, he will come back. If the management wants Bumrah to play, Harshit will sit out and Arshdeep will take his place,” Rahane said.
The fourth T20 match between India and New Zealand will be played on Wednesday 28 January in Visakhapatnam.
Also read: Washington Sundar’s injury update: All-rounder out of T20 World Cup 2026