IND vs NZ 2026: Former Indian all-rounder backs Sanju Samson to open during T20 World Cup 2026 despite lean run

Sanju Samson has been struggling to score runs in the ongoing five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand. His form has actually been on a downward spiral since last year. In 2025, he played 15 T20Is and scored 22 runs at an average of 20.18. So far in 2026, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter has played four T20Is, scoring 40 runs.

Despite being in a lean phase, Samson received support from former India all-rounder Suresh Raina. The latter believes that Samson should be backed in the same way that Suryakumar Yadav was when he was not getting runs.

“He hasn’t scored runs in almost one year. But still, the captain and coach were backing him,” Raina noted during a chat with NDTV on the sidelines of World Legends Pro T20 League, referring to Surya. “I think it’s the same story with Sanju. If he gets a chance, he’ll definitely do well.”

Raina emphasised that Samson’s experience and past performances, especially his tons in South Africa, prove he belongs in the international arena. He argued that the “top four” will have a key role to play for the Men in Blue during the T20 World Cup. Raina heaped praise on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batters Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma for going after the bowling from ball one.

“The way Ishan and Abhishek are playing… they show intent from the first ball,” Raina said about the explosive duo.

India are placed in Group A in the 2026 T20 World Cup along with the USA, the Netherlands, Namibia, and arch-rivals Pakistan. Apart from the game against Pakistan, all other matches that Suryakumar’s men play will be held in India.

The T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7. Pakistan face the Netherlands in the opening encounter, followed by the West Indies taking on Scotland. Defending champions India take on the USA in the final match of the opening day in the 20-team tournament.