India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s struggles at the top of the order continued in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand, as the right-hander endured another early dismissal in the latest contest. Chasing a modest target, Samson was cleaned up by Matt Henry on the very first delivery, underlining his growing issues against the new ball.
The dismissal added to a disappointing run, with Samson managing just 16 runs across three innings in the series so far. Sanju Samson’s numbers as a T20I opener since January 2025 paint a concerning picture. In nine innings, he has scored 104 runs at an average of 11.55 and a strike rate of 133.33, with scores of 26, 5, 3, 1, 16, 37, 10, 6 and 0.
Perhaps most alarming is the fact that he has crossed the powerplay only once during this stretch, raising questions about his ability to provide stable starts at the international level.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah Sends Seifert’s Stumps Cartwheeling With Peach Of A Delivery
Earlier in the match, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict New Zealand to 153 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start for the visitors as Devon Conway was dismissed in the very first over, thanks to a brilliant diving catch by Hardik Pandya at mid-off. New Zealand soon slipped to 34 for 3, struggling to build momentum.
A brief recovery came through Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips, who added 52 runs for the fourth wicket. Chapman scored a fluent 32 off 23 balls before his dismissal triggered another collapse. Phillips top-scored with 48 off 40, while skipper Mitchell Santner contributed 27 off 17.
WATCH – Hardik Pandya’s Stunning Catch Removes Conway As India Dominate Early in Guwahati
For India, Ravi Bishnoi (2/18) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) were outstanding, while Pandya chipped in with 2/23. With India already 2-0 up in the series, a win here would hand them an unassailable lead.
🚨 The End of Sanju Samson cricket journey in T20 🚨
Sanju Samson last 10 T20 Inn :
– 0(1), 6(5), 10(7), 37(22), 16(7), 1(3), 3(6), 5(7), 26(20), 102*(56)
No Justice for Sanju Samson ❌
Sanju Samson is likely dropped in next match.#INDvsNZpic.twitter.com/MyLhOMmz0b
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) January 25, 2026
Sanju Samson has officially lost his opening slot to Ishan Kishan & he has only himself to blame now, no one else. He literally choked under pressure for place, I am very dissapointed by him.
Ishan Kishan on other hand, again setting stage on fire!!
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 25, 2026
Golden Duck for Sanju Samson ❌ pic.twitter.com/PLvNqlf3RQ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 25, 2026
🚨 The End of Sanju Samson cricket journey in T20 🚨
Sanju Samson last 10 T20 Inn :
– 0(1), 6(5), 10(7), 37(22), 16(7), 1(3), 3(6), 5(7), 26(20), 102*(56) #INDvsNZ
— Ahmad Says (@Ahm67518) January 25, 2026
Sanju Samson (2015-2026) , Happy Retirement pic.twitter.com/kDSDurd7pm
— Chinmay Shah (@chinmayshah28) January 25, 2026
Justice for the stumps 🙏🏽
Sanju Samson failed to protect them! pic.twitter.com/V5OMVUxrna— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) January 25, 2026
