India opted for a predictable squad for their second T20I clash with New Zealand, leaving Sanju Samson, Umran Malik, and Shubman Gill to watch from the bench. While the 'Men in Blue' cruised to a 65-run win, the focus shifted to Rishabh Pant, whose poor form in T20s continues to be a concern. His lack of impact was already evident in the final two games of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team management decided to test Pant as an opener. Unfortunately, it didn't pay off, as the left-hander looked uncomfortable and was dismissed by Lockie Ferguson after scoring a meager 6 runs off 13 balls.
The decision to prioritize Pant over Sanju Samson despite his consistent failures has drawn sharp criticism from fans and experts. A look at the 2022 stats highlights the disparity: Pant managed 353 runs in 24 matches with a low average of 22, whereas Samson has been highly productive, scoring 179 runs in just 6 games at an impressive average of 44.75.
Despite his strong recent performances, Samson is still being overlooked for a spot in the team. Based on the statistics, it's clear that the management needs to reconsider his role in the starting XI. There is a growing expectation that Samson will finally get his chance in today's series finale (November 22) at McLean Park.