IND vs NZ: Hat-trick of failures puts Sanju Samson under scanner, advised to change batting approach

Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has advised Sanju Samson to avoid copying Abhishek Sharma’s ultra-aggressive approach and instead back his own natural game.

As the wicketkeeper-batter continues to struggle for runs ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Samson’s woes continued after he was dismissed for a golden duck, leaving him with just 16 runs from three matches in 2026. His poor form has come under the spotlight, especially with Abhishek Sharma enjoying a dream run at the top of the order.

Abhishek once again starred with the bat, smashing a blistering half-century off just 14 balls as India cruised to an eight-wicket win. In contrast, Samson’s numbers as an opener remain concerning. Across his last nine innings in the role, he has managed only 104 runs at an average of 11.55 and a strike-rate of 133.33.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rahane stressed the importance of backing Samson during this phase. He said that the team management and captain Suryakumar Yadav must give the right communication to ensure Samson feels secure about his place in the side.

Rahane pointed out that batting alongside a player in red-hot form like Abhishek can add pressure, forcing Samson to try and match his partner’s scoring rate.

“That’s where the team management’s and captain’s role becomes crucial. They need to tell Sanju that he will play this series and the World Cup as well. When someone like Abhishek Sharma is going strong at the other end, there is a tendency to put pressure on yourself and try to match that. Sanju just needs to stick to his own game plan and back himself,” Rahane said.

The former India captain also referred to Samson’s performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 233 runs in six matches at a strike-rate of 137.86, highlighting that Samson was successful when he played with freedom and clarity.

Rahane further added that clear communication from the management is vital, especially with competition for places intensifying and players like Ishan Kishan also performing well.

“Sanju is a quality player and a match-winner. He just needs that freedom and backing from the management. Once he has that belief, he can express himself and play his own game,” Rahane said.

Offering technical advice, Rahane suggested that Samson should focus on spending more time at the crease rather than going hard from ball one. He believes small, composed innings could help Samson regain rhythm and confidence.

“He should look to go back to how he played in his early days—maybe a 15-ball 25 or a 20-ball 30. Just get through the first couple of overs, settle in, and then take the game on,” Rahane explained.

With the series already sealed and the action moving to Visakhapatnam for the fourth T20I, the focus will now be on whether India persists with Samson at the top of the order or hands an opportunity to the returning Tilak Varma.