IND vs NZ 2026: Looking forward to Sanju playing before his home crowd: Shashi Tharoor

Ahead of the fifth and final T20I between India and New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his excitement about watching home boy, Sanju Samson, play his first international match at home. With India already sealing the series 3-1, the final game is an emotional homecoming for Samson and a crucial tune-up before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Tharoor shared the significance of the occasion, calling it a moment fans in Thiruvananthapuram have long waited for. He stated the buzz around the sold-out stadium and described the match as a fitting climax to the five-match series. Tharoor also spoke about New Zealand’s comeback after their win in the fourth T20I, noting that the finale presents India with an opportunity to “turn the tables” against a strong opposition. 

“I am really looking forward to Sanju playing before his home crowd. All of us who are big fans in Thiruvananthapuram, and of Sanju in particular, will have much to look forward to. It has been a good series and last time New Zealand won the fourth match. It is a chance for us to turn the tables or see how well we can stack up against this newly-energised New Zealand side. The whole stadium is going to be full, I’m told all the tickets are sold out. It’s a huge occasion. I am wishing Sanju and India all the very best and big success. I’m looking forward to a good contest. It should be a fitting climax to this five-match series. It is also our last match before the T20 World Cup, so we really need to make sure that all our stars fire on all cylinders,” the Congress MP said to reporters.

Ishan Kishan to return to playing XI

Meanwhile, the Kerala batter has managed just 40 runs in four matches, struggling for form after returning to the opening role. Despite the numbers, the team management has continued to back Samson, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak emphasising patience during tough phases. 

India is expected to go ahead with a more balanced XI after experimenting with a six-batter combination in Vizag. Ishan Kishan, who missed the fourth T20I due to a niggle, is likely to return. His performance in the series could see him return as an additional batter or as a direct replacement for Samson if the management opts for form over sentiment.