 "'Shameful technique': Fans want Samson to be dropped for T20 World Cup after he fails again in front of home crowd")
Sanju Samson’s poor form continued as he was dismissed cheaply once again in the fifth T20I against New Zealand in front of a packed Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, the city of his birth. The right-hander was out for six off six deliveries which is now his fifth consecutive failure in the series.
READ: India vs New Zealand LIVE Score 5th T20 at Thiruvananthapuram
Pressure further rose on him as Ishan Kishan fired a 42-ball century to stake his claim as the first choice opener in the Playing XI for the T20 World Cup that starts February 7.
Samson’s technique under fire
Samson has not stayed for long in the entire series and apart from his form, his technique is also facing big questions. The right-handed wicket-keeper batter likes to go deep into the crease with his trigger movement and exposes his stumps for the bowlers.
All that movement has not helped Samson as he has only been able to collect 46 runs in five innings in the series against the Kiwis. These lack of runs become even notable as the pitches across the series have been flat where other Indian batters have made merry.
Samson did not take strike in the fifth match of the series as he chose to be at the non-striker’s end in the opening over. He got a boundary early on in his stay but as soon as Lockie Ferguson came to bowl, he was getting beaten for pace.
As he looked to slog Ferguson on the leg side, the ball took a leading edge and flew straight into the hands of deep point to end Samson’s stay on Saturday.
On the other hand, Kishan slammed his maiden T20I ton in only 42 deliveries and most likely will take Samson’s place at the top of the batting order once Tilak Varma comes back to claim his middle order spot.
Quick Reads
View AllFans were left frustrated with Samson’s technique:
What exactly is Samson doing with that double trigger? Losing time for himself, never getting into a good position, not sure how hard to attack, mistiming everything. Dire straits.
— Himanish Ganjoo (@himganj153) January 31, 2026
This is not the Samson I know. That trigger movement is ugly. The bat face, the setup... everything looks complicated. He didn’t used to bat like this.
— Sparsh Telang (@_cricketsparsh) January 31, 2026
Samson has given them every reason to drop him from the WC squad. What a horrendous series he had.... 5 games straight you can't be shitting man
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) January 31, 2026
I don't think Samson needs a coach. He needs a doctor's appointment to reduce his panic and anxiety.
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) January 31, 2026
They really replaced shubman gill with this sanju samson. I dont think anyone has ever played more ugly 6-7 deliveries like he did. He shouldnt be any way near to international cricket again. That technique is shameful.
— virk (@cirketttt) January 31, 2026
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