A Selection Battle That Refuses to Cool Down as India Seal the Series
With the series already in India’s pocket, the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam might look like a dead rubber on the surface. Dig a little deeper, though, and this contest carries significance far beyond the scoreline. At the heart of it lies a familiar, simmering debate in Indian cricket: Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan?
India’s aggressive, fearless brand of T20 cricket has overwhelmed a depleted New Zealand side, but selection dilemmas rarely disappear quietly. Instead, they grow louder in games like this — when results matter less and performances matter more.
A debate reignited by opportunity
When India announced their T20 World Cup squad, the roles seemed clear. Samson was the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, while Kishan was listed as backup, recalled after a long absence from T20 internationals. Kishan’s return was less about form and more about flexibility in team combinations.
That script flipped dramatically once Tilak Varma suffered a freak injury. Kishan was promoted to No. 3 — a role that demands intent, adaptability, and fearlessness — and he responded with authority. A blistering 76 off 32 balls in the second T20I, followed by a rapid cameo in the third, didn’t just help India dominate; it reopened a conversation many thought had been settled.
Meanwhile, Samson’s returns in the series — 10, 6, and 0 — have only added fuel to the debate. For a player long admired for elegance and timing, consistency at the international level remains the unanswered question.
The context Samson cannot escape
Sanju Samson’s international career has always existed under a microscope. Every failure feels magnified, every missed chance treated as decisive. To his credit, the Indian team management has shown patience this time around, backing him publicly and privately.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel’s comments reflect that belief: the idea that Samson is “one knock away” from rediscovering rhythm and confidence. With Tilak Varma ruled out for the remainder of the series, Samson has effectively been handed a lifeline — two more games to remind everyone why he remains in the conversation.
But in modern T20 cricket, patience is a luxury. With the World Cup around the corner, runs are currency, and momentum matters. The question is no longer about talent; it’s about timing.
Kishan’s case: intent fits the era
What strengthens Kishan’s case is how seamlessly he fits into India’s current T20 philosophy. This team is built around relentless pressure, early aggression, and boundary-hitting depth. Kishan’s left-handed explosiveness at the top complements Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach and allows Suryakumar Yadav greater freedom in the middle.
In matches where India have chased big totals with ease, the common thread has been intent. Kishan brings that from ball one. Even his failures tend to come while attacking — a trait modern selectors often prefer over caution.
That doesn’t automatically make him the better player, but it does make him a compelling option in a side that values impact over aesthetics.
Abhishek Sharma sets the tone
While the spotlight shines on Samson and Kishan, Abhishek Sharma continues to redefine India’s ceiling in T20 cricket. His 14-ball half-century in the third T20I was not just fast — it was demoralising for the opposition.
Since the start of 2025, Abhishek’s numbers are staggering: over a thousand T20I runs at an average nearing 46 and a strike rate above 200. What makes him even more dangerous is that his aggression doesn’t come at the expense of consistency.
The scary part for New Zealand — and future opponents — is that India are no longer reliant on one or two batters. Even when Abhishek failed in Raipur, the rest stepped up and chased 209 inside 16 overs.
New Zealand’s fight for relevance
For New Zealand, the series may be lost, but the remaining games still hold value. The return of James Neesham and Lockie Ferguson adds experience and bite to a side that has looked underpowered for long stretches.
Ferguson’s comeback, in particular, will be closely watched. His pace and bounce could test India’s aggressive approach, especially on a Visakhapatnam surface known for high scores but offering something to fast bowlers who hit the deck hard.
With Finn Allen set to arrive only for the final T20I, New Zealand’s batting still lacks its most explosive component. That puts added pressure on Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra to anchor and accelerate in tandem.
Pitch, conditions, and expectations
Visakhapatnam has a reputation for producing run-fests, and this game is unlikely to be an exception. India chased 209 here against Australia in 2023, and while dew isn’t expected to play a major role, batters should still enjoy good value for shots.
This sets the stage perfectly for the Samson-Kishan subplot. On a true pitch, there are no excuses — only opportunities.
What’s really at stake
India may already have the series, but this match could quietly influence World Cup thinking. Not in official statements or press conferences, but in selectors’ notebooks.
Does Samson finally produce the innings that silences doubts? Or does Kishan continue to build momentum that becomes impossible to ignore?
In Indian cricket, competition is constant and ruthless. The fourth T20I might not decide a trophy, but it could shape careers — and that makes it far from meaningless..