IND vs NZ: The Green Park International Stadium witnessed an emotional twist on Saturday, January 31, as Sanju Samson's much-anticipated homecoming in India colours ended in frustration during the fifth T20I against New Zealand.
Hopes were sky-high when the local favourite walked out to open the innings, but the atmosphere quickly turned subdued as Samson once again failed to make an impact.
Cheered by a packed crowd eager to see their hometown hero shine, Samson never appeared at ease at the crease. His second delivery produced a thick outside edge that raced to third man for a boundary, but it did little to ease the visible tension in his batting. Timing deserted him thereafter, with singles coming more from edges than control, underlining his struggle
to settle into a rhythm.
The pressure seemed to mount with every dot ball. Looking to break free, Samson attempted a premeditated leg-side stroke against Lockie Ferguson. The New Zealand pacer's raw pace proved decisive, hurrying Samson into a mistimed lofted shot. The leading edge flew straight to Bevon Jacobs at deep backward point, triggering stunned silence across the stadium as Samson departed for 6 off 6 balls.
It was another chapter in what has been a difficult series for the wicketkeeper-batter. Samson wrapped up the five-match contest with just 46 runs, his highest score being 24 in the fourth T20I. For a player fighting to cement his place, the numbers paint a worrying picture.
Since 2025, Samson's returns as a T20I opener have been far from convincing. He has managed only 134 runs from 11 innings at an average of just over 12, figures that raise serious questions ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2026.
With Ishan Kishan delivering consistent performances at the top and Tilak Varma expected to regain full fitness soon, competition for spots in India's batting lineup is intensifying. For Samson, time is running out. Unless a turnaround comes swiftly, his place in India's T20 plans could slip further out of reach.
