Congress MP, Shashi Tharoor wished Sanju and Team India success, anticipating that the match would be a fitting climax to the series.
Opener Sanju Samson once again failed to get back among the runs, as he was dismissed for 24 from 15 balls in the fourth T20I against New Zealand.
Yuvraj Singh was seen giving Sanju Samson some batting tips during a nets training, in a video posted on X.
With Ishan Kishan breathing down Sanju Samson's neck, the latter will have to pull up his socks and prove his place in the squad.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Friday acknowledged that Sanju Samson has been going through a lean phase without doubting the quality of the struggling batter, and reiterated the team management's support for him.
Former India opener WV Raman and RR's Zubin Bharucha analyse Sanju Samson's T20I struggles, breaking down technical and mental aspects of his batting.
Sanju Samson received a big vote of confidence as bowling coach Morne Morkel said the opener was just one knock away from breaking free from a lean run.
Sanju Samson tallied just 46 runs in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not read too much into Ishan Kishan keeping the wickets ahead of Sanju Samson in the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram, saying the stumper's duties were always supposed to be shared in this series.
'He is explosive, dangerous, and capable of shots like these. Where do you even bowl to him?'
Sanju Samson marked his selection for the T20 World Cup with a quiet but powerful statement, underlining his belief and pride after retaining his place in India's squad.
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Shubman Gill's injury during the South Africa T20I series earlier this month was the moment when India's World Cup opening combination became clear.
Quite similar to the hero introduction scenes in Kollywood movies, the elaborately staged sequence combines slow-motion shots, silhouettes, and high contrast lighting to enhance the dramatic narrative.
What Abhishek should understand is that what defines a good cricketer is not the duck, but how he responds to it and overcomes it.
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate says adding Sanju Samson to the top order is under discussion after the SA loss, reveals Abhishek's food poisoning battle.
Ishan Kishan displayed the menacing form he has shown of late in the India nets on Wednesday until being hit by a sharp Jasprit Bumrah yorker.
'I have been waiting for this day and I am very fortunate that I am going to wear the yellow jersey.'
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who will turn 45 later this year, will be available for CSK for IPL 2026 starting next month, a top franchise source confirmed.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar anticipates leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav replacing pacer Arshdeep Singh in the crucial T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, citing favorable conditions for spinners and strategic bowling decisions in recent games.
Since making a comeback to the T20 team for the Asia Cup, Shubman Gill has struggled to tally just 184 runs in 10 innings.
India will have a net session on Saturday evening, and Abhishek Sharma's fitness will be monitored closely before taking a final call.
Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the BJP, marking a significant political shift ahead of the upcoming Assam assembly polls.
'I can't come in and say, "I only can do the hero role." I need to be a villain. I need to be a joker. I need to play around".'
The Namibia match could be a God-sent opportunity for an out-of-form Sanju Samson to get into run-scoring mode after a string of failures that saw him lose his place to Ishan Kishan, who is going through a purple patch.
India name six uncapped players in 26-member squad for AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, targeting quarterfinals and World Cup qualification.
Is Abhishek Sharma struggling to cope with the expectations of playing in a World Cup in front of home fans?
Jasprit Bumrah missed India's opening T20 World Cup match against USA because of illness.
Yuzvendra Chahal says Sanju Samson can have no excuses after repeated T20I failures, with Ishan Kishan's form putting pressure on the opener ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The English Premier League (EPL) has announced cricketer Sanju Samson as its new official ambassador in India.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan?
India crushed Namibia by 93 runs in the T20 World Cup, powered by Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, but concerns remain ahead of the Pakistan clash.
Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel urged India to include the in-form Ishan Kishan ahead of Sanju Samson
With Abhishek Sharma hospitalised with a stomach bug, Sanju Samson is set to get another opportunity at the top of the order.
Suryakumar Yadav defends Tilak Varma's batting approach in the T20 World Cup, explaining the team management's strategy for his role despite recent struggles against slow bowlers.
In the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram, Ishan Kishan produced an innings that may well have changed the course of his career.
It is believed that captain Sanju Samson has asked Rajasthan Royals to trade him or release him into the auction, signalling an end to his long association with the franchise.
Rajasthan Royals appoint Riyan Parag as captain for IPL 2026. The 24-year-old succeeds Sanju Samson, with Kumar Sangakkara and Manoj Badale backing his leadership ahead of the new season.
India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup: Abhishek Sharma falls for another duck in tournament
Suryakumar Yadav lightens India's arrival in Thiruvananthapuram with playful banter as Sanju Samson returns home ahead of the final T20I against New Zealand.
Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul terms Hardik Pandya India's biggest threat ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo but tips Pakistan to edge the high-pressure contest.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances