India skipper Suryakumar Yadav clarified that Ishan Kishan keeping wickets over Sanju Samson during the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday (January 31) was planned even before the series got underway.
Soon after smashing a whirlwind century in the first innings, Kishan donned the keeping gloves. The move seemed like confirmation that Samson would be left out of India’s playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2029 opener against the USA on February 7.
However, Suryakumar revealed the team management had planned to divide the duties pre-series, with Samson asked to take the gloves in the first three fixtures and Kishan in the last two outings.
“I think both the keepers were playing since game one, as Tilak [Varma] was not available," Suryakumar said in the post-match presser after India’s 46-run win in Thiruvananthapuram.
“So, we had decided before the series that three games will be kept by Sanju Samson and two games will be kept by Ishan. Ishan unfortunately missed the last game because of a niggle but he was anyway going to keep wickets in this match," he added.
Tilak Varma’s surgery for an abdominal issue allowed the Indian team management to accommodate both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the playing XI against New Zealand.
Samson scuffed the opportunity to cement his place, scoring 46 runs in five innings at an average of 9.20. On the other hand, Kishan grabbed the chance with both hands, smashing 215 runs in four innings at 53.75 with a strike-rate of 231.18.
Meanwhile, the Indian captain shared positive updates on Tilak and Washington Sundar, confirming that the former would feature in a couple of warm-up games in Mumbai.
“Tilak Varma…he has been shaping well. I heard he is playing 2 games in Bombay on the 2nd and the 4th. I think 2 games are enough. I spoke to him yesterday only. He has started batting, bowling, fielding and everything. So, hopefully, we should have him soon," Suryakumar said.
“I think Washy is also doing well. We spoke to both of them (Tilak and Washington) yesterday. Tilak is much better. Washy has almost started his bowling and batting. He is also looking good. Hopefully, we get him back soon," he stated.
