Sanju Samson's biggest opponent isn't the opposition, it's the selection committee. Samson has never been given a long rope; all he receives is a thin thread.
Shreyas Iyer-led India, unbeaten in their last two T20 series in New Zealand, will rely on their formidable batting lineup to overcome the relatively inexperienced New Zealand side in the upcoming five-match T20I series, despite having minimal time to acclimatise.
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has attributed India's 2-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series to their exceptional death bowling. Bracewell noted that the Indian bowlers effectively built pressure in the final overs, preventing the Black Caps from posting higher totals despite high-scoring games. He acknowledged the challenge posed by India's in-form openers and highlighted the need for New Zealand to deliver a complete performance to turn the tide.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the team management's decision to drop T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson for the second T20 against England, calling it "bizarre" despite the debut of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. India lost the match, trailing 0-1 in the five-match series.
The fifth and final T20 International between India and the West Indies was abandoned due to persistent rain on Saturday, resulting in the series being drawn 2-2. India had scored 118 for five in 7.4 overs in the rain-shortened match before play was called off.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has clarified that Sanju Samson has received full clarity regarding his role after being dropped from the playing XI for the ongoing T20I series against England.
Sanju Samson reveals why he didn't believe Rohit Sharma after being dropped before the T20 World Cup 2026 and how self-reflection helped him return as India's leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament.
Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the Indian batting unit for their lack of responsibility in chasing targets, specifically after their loss to West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. Despite Sanju Samson's fifty, India failed to chase 247. Gavaskar also commented on individual performances and defended the inexperienced bowlers, while Cheteshwar Pujara praised West Indies skipper Shai Hope's balanced batting approach.
As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's stardom soars, Sachin Tendulkar has urged caution, saying the teenage batting sensation should gain more red-ball experience before taking on leadership responsibilities.
Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer has assured young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that opportunities will come if he remains consistent, while also reflecting on India's high-scoring T20I series against West Indies, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Sanju Samson, a key player in India's T20 World Cup triumph, recounts how his early cricket aspirations in Delhi were nearly thwarted by the Delhi & District Cricket Association. His father's decisive move to shift the family to Kerala proved to be a life-changing moment, enabling Samson to pursue his dream and eventually achieve national recognition.
India may turn to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav for the series-deciding T20I against West Indies as they look to strengthen their bowling attack.
Shai Hope's unbeaten 102 and Keemo Paul's five-wicket haul led West Indies to a 24-run victory over India, levelling the five-match T20I series at 2-2.
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20I at Hagley Oval, marking their 200th victory in men's T20 Internationals. Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy's unbeaten 69-run partnership secured the win, giving India a 2-0 series lead.
Keemo Paul's exceptional five-wicket haul led the West Indies to a 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20 International in Hyderabad. This win, built on Shai Hope's unbeaten century, levels the five-match series at 2-2, setting up a decider in Bengaluru. India's chase, despite a strong start from Sanju Samson, faltered against Paul's decisive bowling.
Sanju Samson reveals Virat Kohli's advice on fitness, discipline and lifestyle, while explaining why he quit cricket's 'rat race' before becoming India's T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament.
Shai Hope's unbeaten century propelled West Indies to their highest successful chase in T20 internationals, overhauling a target of 250 to beat India by six wickets and level the five-match series at 1-1.
With the T20 series already secured, India is set to experiment with its squad in the fourth match against New Zealand in Auckland, potentially offering game time to spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, who have been on the sidelines.
India face West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, needing one more win to seal the series as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan lead the batting charge.
Indian batter Ishan Kishan ruled out of second T20I against New Zealand due to low grade right adductor strain, the BCCI said in a statement.
Glenn Phillips' explosive 107-run innings led New Zealand to an 87-run victory over India in the fourth Twenty20 International on Friday. This consolation win came after India had already secured the five-match series.
Centurion Glenn Phillips (107 off 49 balls) and Michael Bracewell (65 off 25 balls) forged a blistering 115-run partnership off just 41 balls, propelling New Zealand to a massive 259 for seven, their highest-ever T20 International total against India, in the fourth T20I in Auckland.
Shreyas Iyer has climbed to a career-high fourth position in the ICC T20 International rankings for batters, following his strong performance in the ongoing series against West Indies
Such is the depth of riches in Indian cricket that Shubman Gill, despite boasting of a good record in T20Is and IPL, finds himself out of contention in India's T20 team.
Sanju Samson discusses how the Indian cricket team is maintaining focus and team spirit despite incessant rains disrupting their training and matches in Japan ahead of the Asia Games semifinal. He highlights the team's constant meetings and gym sessions to stay "switched on" and ready for the crucial match against Sri Lanka, while also acknowledging the depth of Indian cricket talent.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that his primary role is to make the 'right decisions' for the team, even if they are not the 'popular ones', emphasising the importance of player security and backing consistent performers.
The Indian cricket team is set to face New Zealand in the third T20 International on Tuesday, aiming for a series-clinching victory. The match, held in Wellington, will test India's bowling attack, particularly Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and the team's ability to handle challenging conditions and a resilient New Zealand side.
'We always talk about that let Vaibhav enjoy his game, he should not feel any pressure, especially when he is batting.'
Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer's inconsistent T20I batting form will be under the spotlight as Team India commences its five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Christchurch.
India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson drew parallels between cricket and tennis legends, comparing MS Dhoni to Roger Federer and Virat Kohli to Carlos Alcaraz. He also reflected on India's recent T20 World Cup victory, crediting the women's team for inspiring the men, and discussed the challenge posed by Australia. Former tennis player Rohan Bopanna shared his Wimbledon predictions and memories.
Despite limited opportunities in the playing XI, India skipper Shreyas Iyer has expressed strong confidence in young cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stating that the 15-year-old's time to dominate Indian cricket will come.
India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury. He is undergoing recovery and fitness tests, with the team management prioritising his readiness for Test cricket.
After the match, Naman Dhir also said that Abhishek's pep talk, especially the Punjabi bit pumped up the players.
Sanju Samson has been dropped from the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, making way for Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh.
'Through dance, we explore the many expressions of love across India's literature, music and storytelling traditions.'
A crucial 69-run partnership between Tilak Varma (51* off 26) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (26 off 13) propelled India to a thrilling four-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that the team management will continue to back openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, despite the impressive performance of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Morkel stressed the importance of showing faith in established players who have performed well previously, while also acknowledging the excitement around new talents like Sooryavanshi and pacer Prince Yadav.
India's T20I team is facing significant challenges under its new leadership, with captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma under scrutiny after consecutive series losses in the UK. The team's poor performance, especially after a recent T20 World Cup win, has led to questions about player selections and management decisions, particularly concerning Tilak Varma's form and role.
Sanju Samson heads into the second T20I against England with his place under the spotlight, as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waits in the wings after another underwhelming outing from the India opener.
Washington Sundar and Sanju Samson were seen enjoying a rainy evening stroll in Tokyo, ahead of India's historic first-ever T20 International against Japan in Sano on Tuesday.
