India batter Ajinkya Rahane has called on the team management to continue backing Sanju Samson despite his struggles in the ongoing India vs New Zealand T20I series. With the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching, Rahane believes this phase requires trust, clarity and patience from the leadership group to help Samson regain confidence and form.

Samson’s difficult run continued with a golden duck in the Guwahati T20I, leaving him with just 16 runs from three matches in 2026. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rahane said captain Suryakumar Yadav and the team management are likely to persist with the wicketkeeper-batter, stressing the importance of backing quality players during lean phases.

Rahane also advised Samson not to compare himself with in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been in sensational touch during the series. Instead, he urged Samson to play to his own strengths and focus on building innings, even if it means taking a few overs to settle.

While Abhishek’s explosive batting has dominated headlines, Samson’s numbers remain under scrutiny, with just 104 runs in his last nine innings as an opener. With the series already sealed and the fourth T20I scheduled in Vizag, India faces a selection call on whether to persist with Samson or consider giving Tilak Varma an opportunity at the top.