IND vs NZ: Ishan Kishan dazzles with Stellar Century, Sanju Samson turns bleak in Trivandrum

Ishan Kishan smashed his maiden T20I century in Trivandrum, powering India to a commanding total in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand on Saturday (January 31).

However, the spotlight on Sanju Samson, playing at his home ground, turned dim as he endured yet another disappointing outing, scoring just 6 off 6 balls before departing early.

Kishan, returning to the side after missing the previous match due to a niggle, walked in at No. 3 following quick dismissals. Abhishek Sharma fell for 30 off 16, and Samson, promoted as opener, struggled against the pace of Lockie Ferguson, edging a delivery to backward point after a run-a-ball knock that included minimal impact.

Sanju Samson's lean series continued, ending with only 46 runs across five

innings at an average of 9.20 and a strike rate of 135.29, no half-centuries in his last 10 T20Is, with scores like 10, 6, 0, 24, and now 6 underscoring his prolonged form slump.

Ishan Kishan dazzles in Trivandrum

In contrast, Kishan unleashed carnage. He reached his fifty in 28 balls with a blistering over against Ish Sodhi (4,4,4,6,4,6), then accelerated relentlessly. Partnering with captain Suryakumar Yadav (63 off 30), he forged a record-breaking 137-run stand for the third wicket, the highest in T20Is for India in that position.

Kishan remained aggressive, smashing sixes and fours, reaching his hundred amid roaring cheers from the Trivandrum crowd. His knock featured rapid scoring, pushing India past 200 early and setting a platform for a massive total.

Ishan Kishan got to his century in just 42 balls, and departed only after scoring a scintillating 103 off 43 balls, comprised of 6 fours and 10 sixes.

This performance caps a remarkable resurgence for Kishan in the series buildup to the T20 World Cup 2026. His explosive form, highlighted by previous high scores and domestic dominance, makes a compelling case for him as a top-order mainstay, potentially at opener or No. 3, bringing left-right balance and wicket-keeping versatility.

Will Ishan Kishan replace Sanju Samson?

Samson's failure at his home venue, despite team support and high expectations, intensifies selection debates. Fans and experts question his spot, especially with Kishan's "murderous form" earning praise from legends like Sunil Gavaskar. As India fine-tune their lineup post-series (already won 3-1 before this match), Kishan's century could tip the scales toward a more fearless, in-form combination featuring him higher up, Tilak Varma in the middle, and a potent finish.

The contrast was stark: one batter igniting hopes with a landmark ton, the other fading amid mounting pressure. With the World Cup on home soil approaching, India's management faces a clear choice-ride the hot hand or persist with potential. Kishan's Trivandrum heroics may have just made that decision easier.