Ashwin Defends Star Batter Amid India’s T20I Struggles Against New Zealand

Jordan Hartwell

Published: January 25, 2026 10:36 AM ET

India has taken a commanding 2-0 lead against New Zealand in their five-match T20I series, crucially positioned ahead of the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup. The latest victory came on January 23, 2026, in Raipur, where India successfully chased down 209 runs. This remarkable performance was highlighted by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 76 runs off just 32 balls and support from Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube.

Ashwin Defends Star Batter Amid India’s T20I Struggles Against New Zealand

Despite the team’s success, star batter Sanju Samson has faced challenges. He played in both the first and second T20I matches but scored only 9 and 6 runs, respectively. Speculations have arisen regarding his position in the lineup, with some fans advocating for Ishan Kishan to take over the opening role alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Expert Opinions on Team Changes

Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has countered the calls for Samson’s replacement. He emphasized that it is premature to consider such a drastic change in the batting order. Ashwin pointed out that inconsistency in player selection could adversely affect team dynamics and performance.

In his YouTube video, Ashwin stated, “It’s way too early to think of dropping him. If India keeps doing such circus acts by playing Sanju when he did well before, and now Kishan because he’s playing well now, I don’t have to tell how it’ll end for India.”

Competition in the Squad

The return of injured player Tilak Sharma is likely to intensify competition within the team. Kishan, who returned to the squad after a hiatus from international cricket since November 2023, has made a strong case for himself during this series.

Match Dates: January 23, 2026
Key Performers: Ishan Kishan (76 runs), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube
Sanju Samson’s Scores: 9 runs, 6 runs
Ashwin’s Opinion: Resisting premature changes is crucial
Competition Level: Heightened with Tilak Sharma’s expected return

Samson’s role in the team moving forward remains uncertain, but Ashwin’s insights suggest that consistency and patience will be essential for India’s success as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. As the series continues, all eyes will be on whether the team can maintain its momentum and how player selections will impact their performance. For more updates on cricket and T20I series, visit Filmogaz.com.