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Will Sanju Samson Be Dropped from India T20 World Cup Playing 11?: The final T20 match between India and New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram will be remembered not only for the rain of runs but also as a sign of a major decision. This match has almost settled the biggest debate surrounding the playing 11 for the T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson vs Ishan Kishan.
Ishan Kishan’s Explosive Century: A Loud Statement for T20 World Cup
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In the final match of the series, Ishan Kishan delivered exactly what the team management needed. His first T20 international century against New Zealand (103 runs) was not just a personal record, but a direct message to the selectors. Thanks to Ishan's explosive innings, India posted a massive score of 271/5 in 20 overs, seemingly putting an end to the uncertainty surrounding the opening slot.
Sanju Samson’s Poor Form: Is the World Cup Dream Slipping Away?
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While Ishan Kishan shone, this series was nothing short of a nightmare for Sanju Samson. He managed only 46 runs in the entire five-match series. His lack of confidence and inconsistency were clearly visible. Such a performance before a major tournament like the World Cup raises serious questions about his place in the team.
Change in Wicketkeeping: Why Ishan Kishan Taking the Gloves Signals the End for Samson
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A significant change was observed in the final match of the series: the wicketkeeping duties were handed over to Ishan Kishan instead of Sanju Samson. Cricket experts believe that such changes in a World Cup year are not 'experiments' but 'indications'.
If Ishan Kishan handles both wicketkeeping and opening the batting, the team gets the opportunity to include an extra bowler or all-rounder.Why Ishan Kishan is the Perfect Fit for Team India
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Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has also made his opinion clear on this debate. He praised Ishan Kishan's performance, indicating that the team needs a player who can perform under pressure for major tournaments. Ishan scored 215 runs throughout the series (with one century and one half-century) and was second only to Suryakumar Yadav in terms of runs scored.
Tilak Varma's Return and the Team's New Equation
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The return of Tilak Varma to the middle order has given the Indian team new strength. His inclusion has balanced the middle order, giving Ishan Kishan the freedom to play freely at the top of the order. The stability that Team India was looking for before the World Cup now seems to be in place.
Conclusion: Is Sanju Samson Dropped?
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Ishan Kishan not only scored a lot of runs but also proved his usefulness as a wicketkeeper. Ishan Kishan will be the first choice in the playing XI for the upcoming T20 World Cup, and the path back for Sanju Samson now looks very difficult.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026: Irfan Pathan Picks Top Scorer & Highest Wicket-Taker
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