As India and New Zealand headed into the 4th T20I in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), one selection question dominated the build-up: Will Sanju Samson continue as India’s opener? The debate wasn’t just about one player’s form—this was about India’s ideal top-order template, the wicketkeeper-batter slot, and how the team wants to shape its batting unit with big tournaments in mind.
The context made the conversation louder. India were leading the series 3–0, but the batting order was still being tested and fine-tuned. Samson, given a clear run at the top, had not converted starts, while his competitor Ishan Kishan had already shown impact in limited opportunities.
This blog looks at the selection dilemma in a simple, SEO-friendly way: Samson’s role, the logic behind sticking with him, the case for change, and how Vizag conditions could influence India’s decision-making.
Why Sanju Samson’s Opening Slot Became a Big Talking Point
Opening in T20Is isn’t just about scoring runs—it’s about setting a tone. India’s current approach in T20 cricket leans heavily on a high-tempo powerplay, where openers maximize the fielding restrictions and build a platform for middle-order hitters.
Sanju Samson was used as an opener in this series, but his returns in the first three matches were underwhelming. ESPNcricinfo noted that before the series he was considered India’s first-choice keeper-batter, but early failures put him under immediate pressure—especially because Ishan Kishan scored quickly when given a chance.
So, the question before Vizag was obvious:
- Do you persist with Samson to back the role clarity?
- Or do you switch to Kishan, who seems better suited to a powerplay attack?
The Role India Wanted Samson to Play at the Top
Sanju Samson’s selection wasn’t random. The logic was simple:
1) Right-handed balance and stroke range
India’s top order often includes left-right combinations. With an opener like Abhishek Sharma (left-handed), a right-hander alongside helps match-ups and disrupts bowling plans.
2) “Keeper-batter at the top” template
A wicketkeeper who can open gives India flexibility. It allows them to:
- Fit an extra bowler or all-rounder
- Keep the middle order stable
- Avoid squeezing too many specialist batters into one XI
3) Samson’s ceiling
When Samson gets going, he can demolish attacks quickly. That “game-breaking” ability is valuable in T20s—especially against quality opposition.
But in cricket, logic only holds if performance follows.
Samson’s Form Pressure: What the Numbers Suggested Before Vizag
Before the 4th T20I, Sanju Samson’s series output had become a major concern. ESPNcricinfo summarized that he had made 10, 6, and 0 in the first three games, while Kishan made immediate impact when playing.
That combination—low returns for Samson, high impact from Kishan—naturally intensified the “retain or replace” debate.
And because India were already 3–0 up, Vizag looked like the perfect match to either:
- back Samson again (because the series was safe), or
- try Kishan at the top (because experimentation was still possible).
The Ishan Kishan Factor: Why the Pressure Grew
In modern T20 cricket, selection battles are rarely just about consistency—they’re also about strike rate, powerplay intent, and match-ups. Kishan’s style fits the “powerplay punch” role perfectly.
ESPNcricinfo pointed out that Kishan hit 76 off 32 in the second T20I and 28 off 13 in the next, putting Samson’s spot in jeopardy.
So the question became:
If you’re building an aggressive top order, do you pick the batter who starts fast every time, even if he is slightly more high-risk?
That’s the dilemma selection committees face in the T20 era.
What Vizag Conditions Usually Demand in T20 Cricket
Vizag (Visakhapatnam) has often been a venue where:
- batting can be good once set,
- but early movement or bounce can test top-order players,
- and spinners can play a role depending on surface grip.
In such conditions, an opener needs:
- good judgment early,
- and the ability to accelerate once the ball gets older.
This is where Samson’s supporters argued he should be persisted with—because he has the technique and range to play both spin and pace. Critics, however, felt he was running out of chances to “translate ability into output.”
Team Combination Angle: Why India Might Have Been Reluctant to Change
One major reason teams avoid frequent top-order changes is batting order stability.
If India replaced Samson at the top, it could create knock-on effects:
- Who keeps wickets?
- Where does Kishan bat if he doesn’t open?
- Do you push Samson to the middle order or drop him entirely?
- What happens to the left-right combinations?
India Today’s preview and predicted XI discussions suggested India were weighing tweaks (including Axar Patel’s return) while also trying to keep the batting combination stable.
So the simplest approach—especially at 3–0 up—was:
keep Samson opening, and reassess after the match.
What Actually Happened in Vizag
If you’re reading this after the 4th T20I: India did retain Sanju Samson as opener in Vizag.
According to the official match scorecard, Samson opened the innings and scored 24 off 15 balls before being dismissed by Mitchell Santner.
However, India still lost the match by 50 runs, as New Zealand posted 215/7 and India were bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs.
So, the headline question—“Will Samson retain his opening slot?”—was answered with yes, but the follow-up question became bigger:
Does 24 off 15 strengthen his case or expose the same old issue—starts without conversion?
The “Start But No Conversion” Problem
This is the key theme around Samson in T20Is:
- He often gets in,
- shows intent,
- hits a couple of boundaries,
- and then gets out before making a match-defining score.
In Vizag, his 24 off 15 looks decent on strike rate, but it still wasn’t the kind of innings that:
- wins a chase,
- or sets up a big first-innings total,
- or takes pressure away from the middle order.
That’s why, after the match, reports highlighted growing criticism of Samson’s repeated missed chances.
Why India Might Still Stick With Samson (Even After Vizag)
Even with the criticism, there are real reasons India could continue backing him:
1) Role clarity matters before a World Cup
Teams often prefer a settled top order rather than constant churn.
2) Samson offers a different skill set than Kishan
Kishan is a powerplay basher. Samson is more “360-degree” once set—he can target spin well and play late.
3) Not every selection decision is just about one innings
Sometimes, management looks at:
- training impact,
- match-ups vs specific opposition,
- and long-term combinations.
Why India Might Drop Samson for the Next Game
At the same time, the case to replace him is strong:
1) Competition is real and in-form
Kishan has already delivered impactful cameos in the series.
2) India want certainty in the keeper-batter slot
If the management believes Kishan is the safer bet as a high-impact opener, they may switch quickly.
3) Top-order failures are costly in T20 chases
In Vizag, India lost early wickets and never truly controlled the chase despite Shivam Dube’s resistance.
The Bigger Picture: India’s T20 Top Order Is Still in “Final Trial” Mode
This series isn’t only about beating New Zealand. It’s about identifying:
- who opens,
- who keeps,
- who bats at 3 and 4,
- and which combination gives India maximum firepower without collapsing.
The Samson vs Kishan debate is simply the most visible part of that larger puzzle.
What to Watch Next if You’re Following This Selection Battle
If India rotate again in the next match, watch for these signals:
- Who opens with Abhishek Sharma?
- Who keeps wickets?
- Does India prefer left-right at the top or raw impact?
- What does the captain/coach say post-match? (often hints at role clarity)
Also, pay attention to match-ups:
- If opposition uses left-arm spin early, who plays that better?
- If the pitch is slow, who rotates strike better?
Those details often decide selections more than fans realize.
FAQs
Did Sanju Samson open in the 4th T20I in Vizag?
Yes. Samson opened and scored 24 off 15 balls, dismissed by Mitchell Santner.
What was the result of IND vs NZ 4th T20I in Vizag?
New Zealand won by 50 runs. NZ scored 215/7, India were all out for 165 (18.4 overs).
Why is Sanju Samson’s spot under pressure?
Because he had low scores early in the series, while Ishan Kishan produced quick, impactful knocks when selected.
Conclusion
So, did Sanju Samson retain his opening slot in Vizag? Yes—India backed him again in the 4th T20I.
But his 24 off 15, followed by India’s 50-run loss, ensured the debate didn’t end—it only got louder.
