Ishan Kishan Removed as Keeper? Gambhir’s Mid-Match Switch Sparks Sanju Samson T20 World Cup Alarm

Gautam Gambhir’s team management yanked Sanju Samson from wicketkeeping duties mid-match after his 6-off-6 flop in the 5th T20I vs New Zealand, handing gloves to centurion Ishan Kishan – a massive hint that Samson’s World Cup opener spot vs USA on February 7 hangs by a thread. ​

Samson’s home heartbreaker

Named keeper on the team sheet, Samson edged Lockie Ferguson to deep backward point early, extending his dismal series to 46 runs across five games (10,6,0,24,6).

Home debut at Greenfield Stadium drew massive cheers after Suryakumar’s toss hype.

Played as fielder in NZ innings; Kishan gloved up post his 103 off 43 (10 sixes, 6 fours). ​

Social media lit up: “Samson’s fate sealed?”

Kishan’s audition seals the deal?

Kishan’s return from niggle produced fireworks: 137-run stand with Suryakumar (63 off 30), India’s 271/5 (series-record 69 sixes).

50 off 28, 100 off 42; 29-run over vs Sodhi.

Keeping switch post-century screams preference for left-hand balance and powerplay punch. ​

Gavaskar & Chopra agree: Kishan in once Tilak Varma returns.

World Cup implications sharpen

India’s USA opener four days away; Samson’s lean run (avg <10) vs Kishan’s form tips scales.

Management’s mid-innings call – unusual for listed keeper – signals trust test.

Kishan’s keeping + batting dual threat fits Gambhir’s blueprint. ​

India romps 46 runs (Arshdeep 5/37), but selection storm brews.