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Former India cricketer Suresh Raina feels that Sanju Samson can perform well in the 2026 T20 World Cup and can even score a century in the tournament. This statement comes amid the latter's batting struggles in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. Despite returning to the opening spot, Samson has failed to score big in the first four games against the Kiwis and has recorded scores of 10,6,0 and 24 respectively.
Samson's dismal form in T20Is
The 30-year-old's last notable knock came against Oman in the Asia Cup. He scored 56 runs during the match that got contested in September, 2025. He has since struggled in the format and has scored just 155 runs in his last nine innings. Though Samson has been picked in India's squad for the T20 World Cup, his place in the playing XI is not guaranteed.
Despite his inconsistency, Samson was backed by Raina, who feels that the wicketkeeper-batter is capable enough to score a hundred in the T20 World Cup. Notably, Raina is the only Indian to score a ton in the history of the tournament.
“He opens the batting and has the ability to score 100. He has already scored two centuries in South Africa. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are also strong contenders. But I believe Sanju can make a century in this T20 World Cup," Raina said.
Raina makes stunning comparison
Raina also drew comparisons between Samson and Suryakumar Yadav's form in the shortest format. The latter had also been going through a rough patch and had failed to record even a single 50+ score in 2025. However, he has started 2026 on a high and has already scored two fifties in the New Zealand T20Is. Raina feels that if Samson gets the support from his coaches, then he too will improve his form drastically.
“I think form is temporary. Sanju has that class. He has performed over the years, whether playing for India or not. He has scored a lot of runs in T20 cricket. Look at Suryakumar Yadav; he hadn’t scored runs for almost a year, but the coach still supported him. I think the same will be true for Sanju. If he gets a chance, he will definitely perform well," Raina added.
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Meanwhile, India have taken an unassaible 3-1 lead in the ongoing series against New Zealand. Though the hosts have already clinched the series, they will be looking to end it on a high and claim victory in the fifth and final T20I that will be held on January 31 at the Greenfield stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
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