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Parthiv Patel Picks Ishan Kishan Over Sanju Samson for Final NZ T20

Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has advocated for Ishan Kishan to replace Sanju Samson in the final T20I against New Zealand. Patel believes this move is crucial for World Cup preparation, as Kishan would need to keep wicket in the tournament. Samson has managed only 40 runs in four matches, while Kishan has scored 112 runs in three fixtures. With the series already secured, Patel sees the final match as an ideal opportunity to test Kishan as the primary keeper-batter.

Key Points: Parthiv Patel: Play Ishan Kishan Over Sanju Samson

  • Patel's World Cup prep call
  • Kishan's strong comeback form
  • Samson's recent batting struggles
  • Series already won by India
3 min read

"I would play Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson": Parthiv Patel ahead of 5th T20 against New Zealand

Former keeper Parthiv Patel urges India to pick Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson for the 5th T20I vs NZ, citing World Cup preparation.

"If I was part of Team India's think tank, I would play Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson for the last match of the series. - Parthiv Patel"

Visakhapatnam, January 29

As Sanju Samson faces another disappointing outing with the bat in the New Zealand T20I series, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes India should opt for Ishan Kishan over Samson in the final T20 against the Kiwis on Saturday, Reported Jio Hotstar.

Patel also said Kishan is making a comeback in this series after almost 2.5 years and has batted well. Kishan, who had a marvellous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 campaign with Jharkhand, leading them to their first-ever SMAT title, returned to the Indian team after last playing a T20I against Australia in late 2023.

"If I was part of Team India's think tank, I would play Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson for the last match of the series. I would make Sanju sit out and go with Ishan as the wicketkeeper-batter. I am choosing this because if I want Ishan as my main keeper for the T20 World Cup, I would give him the keeping gloves in the fifth T20I and the warm-up against South Africa too. It is likely that Tilak Varma will be fit before the World Cup, and reports suggest he will be. If he is fully fit, you have to keep a spot for him. So, if that decision is coming, why wait? Play Ishan Kishan now over Sanju Samson in the final match. Ishan is coming back after two years and has batted well. He will need to keep wickets in the T20 World Cup as well, so why not start now? Even if the last match is at home, for World Cup preparation, I would definitely play Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper-opener," Patel said on Jio Hotstar.

Samson yet again failed to score runs in the fourth T20I against New Zealand. In four fixture Samson has only managed to score 40 runs, while Kishan has been destructive, smashing 112 runs in three fixtures.

Despite Kishan being in red-hot form, he was benched in the fourth T20I, and Samson was picked in the playing 11. Samson got a decent start in the fourth T20, making 24 runs, but failed to convert it into a big score while chasing a massive target of 216.

With the T20 World Cup around the corner, Samson's recent run drought has raised questions about whether he has fallen behind Kishan in the race for wicketkeeper/batter in the Indian team. India will clash with New Zealand in the fifth and final T20 on Saturday at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. India have already secured the five-match T20 series, winning the first three encounters.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, it's tough. Samson is so talented but consistency is the issue. Ishan has grabbed his chance. For the World Cup, you have to go with current form. Hope Sanju finds his rhythm soon 🤞
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Priya S
Fully agree! Why bench a player who is scoring runs? Ishan smashed it in SMAT and has carried that form. Samson gets so many chances but fails to deliver under pressure. Team India needs performers, not just potential.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I disagree with Parthiv. One series shouldn't decide. Samson has a higher ceiling and we've seen his match-winning abilities in IPL. Management should show more faith. Dropping him now could shatter his confidence.
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Kavya N
It's a good problem to have! Two talented keepers. But with the World Cup so close, you have to back the in-form player. Ishan's aggressive start as an opener is exactly what we need in T20s. Let's give him the gloves for the final match.
M
Michael C
The stats don't lie. 112 runs vs 40 runs. It's a no-brainer for the final game. Use it as a proper audition for the World Cup spot. Samson had his opportunities in this series.
V
Vikram M
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