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Shashi Tharoor on Sanju Samson's "Bad Luck" & Ishan Kishan's 103 Blitz

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked that batter Sanju Samson seems to be "out of luck" following another low score in the T20I series against New Zealand. He praised Ishan Kishan's spectacular 43-ball century, which powered India to a massive total of 271. India secured a 46-run victory, fueled by Kishan's ton and a five-wicket haul from Arshdeep Singh. The win gave India a 4-1 series triumph as they build momentum for the T20 World Cup.

Key Points: Tharoor on Samson's Form, Kishan's Century in India's T20I Win

  • Samson's T20 World Cup spot in doubt
  • Tharoor lauds Kishan's brilliant form
  • India posts record 271/5 in 5th T20I
  • Arshdeep Singh takes maiden five-for
  • India clinches series 4-1 against New Zealand
2 min read

"Out of luck, it seems" says Shashi Tharoor on Sanju Samson's poor form; lauds Ishan Kishan's 43-ball 103

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor comments on Sanju Samson's poor run and lauds Ishan Kishan's 43-ball 103 after India's series-clinching win over NZ.

"He's just out of luck it seems. - Shashi Tharoor"

Thiruvananthapuram, February 1

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor noted that the Indian batter Sanju Samson is out of luck after the right-hander faced another setback, scoring just 6 runs in the high-scoring India vs New Zealand 5th T20I on Saturday. He also lauded Ishan Kishan for his thunderous 42-ball century that helped India post a massive 271-run first-innings total.

Sanju Samson's place in the playing 11 for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has been in question, given the batter has been in a poor run of form of late. In the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, Samson could only manage 46 runs at an average of 9.20. His scores in the series read: 10, 6, 0, 24 and 6.

Speaking to ANI after the Thiruvananthapuram match, Shashi Tharoor said Sanju Samson appears out of form, while praising India's performance against New Zealand and expressing confidence in the team's readiness for the T20 World Cup. He also lauded Ishan Kishan's brilliant form and described the match as an exciting spectacle.

"He's just out of luck it seems. But otherwise for us, the record score on this ground, record score in the entire series, one of the highest scores made in a T20i. So many sixes, so many fours, lots of action...India looks in very good shape for the World Cup and that's why everyone is excited," Shashi Tharoor told ANI.

On Ishan Kishan, Tharoor said, "Fantastic! The guy is really talented and you know it's a question of form as well. He's really in form, and of course, Sanju is not in form...But it was a tremendous treat...We are in good shape for the T20 World Cup."

Coming to the match, a 43-ball 103 by Ishan Kishan, strong support from skipper Suryakumar Yadav (63 runs off 30 balls) and a five-wicket haul by Arshdeep Singh (5/51 in 4 overs) powered India to a dominant 46-run win over New Zealand in the fifth T20I. India posted a massive 271/5 after opting to bat, with Ishan Kishan sharing a 137-run partnership with Suryakumar.

Chasing 272, New Zealand fought back through Finn Allen's explosive 80 off 38 balls, but lost momentum as Arshdeep and Axar Patel (3/33 in 4 overs) struck at regular intervals. Arshdeep claimed his maiden T20I five-for as New Zealand were bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs. The win helped India clinch the five-match T20I series 4-1.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, it's heartbreaking to see Sanju struggle. He has so much talent. But Ishan Kishan's innings was pure entertainment! 43-ball century is just insane. The future looks bright for our batting lineup.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I disagree with calling it just "luck". At this level, it's about temperament and consistency. Sanju has been in and out of the team for years. Ishan showed what happens when you have a clear mind and are in form. Tough love needed for Samson now.
P
Priya S
Feel for Sanju, yaar. Every time he gets a chance, pressure mounts. Meanwhile, Ishan played like a man possessed! 271 is a mammoth total. Our batting depth is scary good for the World Cup. 🇮🇳
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Rohit P
Shashi Tharoor always has a poetic way of putting things. "Out of luck" sums it up. The team management needs to decide if they will back Sanju through this phase or look at other options like Jitesh or Rahul. Ishan has sealed his spot, no doubt.
K
Kavya N
That match was a total paisa vasool! Ishan's century, Surya's fireworks, and Arshdeep's fifer. What more can a fan ask for? Hope Sanju finds his rhythm soon. He's too good a player to be left out.

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