Ravichandran Ashwin responded to criticism of Sanju Samson after the wicketkeeper-batter’s difficult finish to India’s T20I series against New Zealand. Samson scored 67, 14, 18, 4 and 4 across the five matches, prompting social media calls for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to replace him.
Tim Seifert smashed 93 off 50 balls and Glenn Phillips added an unbeaten 65 as New Zealand chased India’s 192-run target in 18 overs, winning the fifth T20I by seven wickets at Seddon Park. India still claimed the five-match series 3-2.
India head into the final T20I against New Zealand with a 3-1 series lead, but the 87-run defeat in Auckland has raised questions over selection. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could return at the top, while Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy are options to strengthen the spin attack.
India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted the bowling effort fell short after New Zealand piled up 259/7 and won the fourth T20I by 87 runs in Auckland. Iyer pointed to the powerplay, Glenn Phillips’ century and the challenge of adapting to Eden Park’s dimensions.
Glenn Phillips smashes 107 off 49 balls as New Zealand score 259/7 and defeat India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I at Auckland. Jacob Duffy takes 4/23.
Ravichandran Ashwin awarded Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma perfect 10s after India chased 199 in 13.2 overs to beat New Zealand by six wickets and take a 3-0 series lead.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan analysed how Vaibhav Sooryavanshi generates power after the 15-year-old struck 45 off 19 balls against New Zealand in Wellington. Sooryavanshi hit four fours and four sixes before sharing a 133-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma.
The result gives India a 3-0 lead in the five-match series, ensuring that New Zealand can no longer win the series. The hosts will now look to bounce back in the remaining two matches.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed Ishan Kishan is unavailable for the third T20I in Wellington, saying the decision is precautionary as the batter continues recovery from a low-grade right adductor strain.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar says the IPL helped shape his return to India after nearly four years away from international cricket. The 36-year-old fast bowler credited preparation, family support and a low-pressure approach after returning to the playing XI against New Zealand in Christchurch.
Ravichandran Ashwin praised India’s selectors after Naman Dhir struck an unbeaten 42 off 15 balls to help India chase 226 against New Zealand in the first T20I at Christchurch. Dhir’s late hitting included 19 runs from Mitchell Santner’s 17th over as India won by four wickets.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar went wicketless for 49 runs in four overs on his India return against New Zealand, with Dinesh Karthik pointing to two uncharacteristic no-balls while urging perspective after the seamer’s long international absence.
