Team India sprung a couple of surprises in the opening T20I against New Zealand. There was no place for Rishabh Pant while Shardul Thakur also pipped Navdeep Saini for a place in the playing XI. Unsurprisingly, there was no place for Sanju Samson as well.
Also Read: India vs New Zealand 2nd T20: IND vs NZ Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Fantasy Cricket Tips
Despite Virat Kohli confirming KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper-batsman on the eve of the game, Rishabh’s absence was a big surprise as he was expected to be included in the playing XI as a batsman but that wasn’t the case. Manish Pandey was backed to do the finishing job and he will continue to keep his spot. Shardul might be replaced by Saini in the second T20I.
All eyes will once again be on the fact whether Samson is included in the playing XI or not. The 25-year-old has only been given one chance since his comeback and the fans have been anxiously waiting for Samson to be given a consistent run. He wasn’t a part of the squad originally and was only included once Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out.
Will Samson play the second T20I?
Looking at the combination and captain’s thinking, it is unlikely that Samson will get a chance in the second T20I of the series. Team India’s top and middle-order are settled for now and there is no place for Samson.
The right-handed batsman might only be given a chance in place of a regular only after India win the first three T20Is to seal the series. But fans should not expect him to keep wickets as Rahul isn’t expected to be given rest at any point for now.
Also Read: Kapil Dev Shares Views On Rishabh Pant Losing His Place In Playing XI
Samson was recalled into the national team in the T20I series against Bangladesh. He has played two T20Is so far – one in 2015 and other in 2020.
New Zealand’s combination for the second T20I
The home team is unlikely to make a change in the combination. Daryl Mitchell holds a strong chance of walking into playing XI but might have to wait for one more game