IND vs NZ 2026: 'When Tilak Varma comes back, Ishan Kishan sits out' - Former India captain backs Sanju Samson despite golden duck in 3rd T20I

Ajinkya Rahane urged the Indian team management to persist with Sanju Samson

despite the wicketkeeper-batter's indifferent run in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand. On Sunday, January 25, the opening batter was dismissed for a golden duck in the third T20I, adding to his scores of 10 (7) and 6 (5) in the first two games.

Ishan Kishan, who has been picked in India's squad for the New Zealand series and the subsequent T20 World Cup, has been playing brilliantly at No. 3 in the absence

of Tilak Varma. Some fans feel that once Tilak comes back from his injury layoff, Kishan should open alongside Abhishek Sharma, with Samson being benched.

However, Rahane said that Samson is a quality player and just needs to back himself to turn things around. The former India skipper mentioned that he would continue playing Samson even if he fails to score big in the two remaining matches against the Kiwis.

"When Tilak Varma comes back, Ishan Kishan sits out for me. Sanju Samson, I'll back him even if he doesn't get any runs in the next two T20Is. I am sure the management and the captain are going to back Sanju Samson. He's a quality player. He just needs to believe in himself. He has the game and the ability. At times in this format, you are going to look ugly, but that's okay. It's always about your belief and going out there, playing with freedom, and backing yourself," Rahane said on Cricbuzz.

"Let's not compare him with Abhishek Sharma, who's at the other end. Sanju Samson has a different ability. He should go out there and think about his old innings and those he has played for the Rajasthan Royals. Just going out there and expressing himself will get him back in form. Probably a 15-ball 25 or a 20-ball 35 is also okay. But spending that little bit of time and taking the first overs out before taking the game on from there will be ideal for him," he added.

Talking about Kishan, the left-handed batter was dismissed for a five-ball eight in the first T20I. However, he bounced back strongly to slam 76 off 32 balls in the second game. On Sunday, he scored a quickfire 28 off 13 balls, helping India chase down a 154-run target in just 10 overs. The Men in Blue took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series with two games remaining.