Hanuma Vihari reveals Sanju Samson’s technical flaw after India’s crushing defeat in Hamilton

Hanuma Vihari Questions Sanju Samson’s Technique After India’s Final T20I Defeat

Former India batter Hanuma Vihari has identified a technical concern in Sanju Samson’s batting after the wicketkeeper-batter endured an inconsistent run during India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Samson managed 107 runs across five innings, averaging 21.40, as India closed the tour with a seven-wicket defeat in the final match at Hamilton.

India still claimed the series 3-2, but consecutive losses to the Black Caps offered a reminder that a winning result does not remove every question. Vihari believes Samson’s approach against early movement deserves attention, particularly when the ball is swinging and the conditions reward patience.

Vihari points to early swing and Samson’s position in the crease

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Vihari said the toss had an important bearing on the final T20I. India were asked to bat while the ball was moving off the surface in the opening overs. A breeze at Hamilton also helped New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne find swing, making it difficult for the Indian top order to settle immediately.

Vihari felt Abhishek Sharma was too quick to commit to a shot and did not make clean contact, with the ball striking the bottom of his bat. He described the dismissal as an unusual setback for Abhishek, who had otherwise been one of India’s more promising performers during the series.

His greater concern, however, was Samson’s response to the movement. Vihari noted that Samson often sets up deep in his crease and allows the ball to travel towards him. That method can work when the delivery is coming on predictably, but it can become risky when the ball is swinging late or moving off the pitch.

According to Vihari, Samson attempted to play across the line against a moving delivery and lost his wicket. He suggested the batter should have shown greater restraint rather than trying to force a cross-batted stroke before conditions had eased.

“Samson also stays deep in the crease and lets the ball swing. He should not have tried to play across the line,” Vihari said, while noting that Samson had been inconsistent throughout the series.

Samson’s series numbers raise questions about consistency

Samson’s overall figures underline why his performances are being discussed. He scored 107 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 142.66, including one half-century. The strike rate indicates he was capable of scoring at a healthy pace, but his returns were not consistent enough to provide India with a dependable contribution in every game.

That distinction matters in T20 cricket. A high-impact innings can change a match, but teams also need top-order batters to manage difficult passages when conditions are not ideal. Against swing bowling, the ability to leave or defend the right deliveries can be just as valuable as attacking intent. For Samson, the challenge will be finding a balance between his natural aggression and the patience required when the ball is moving.

The series also gives India’s coaching staff a useful opportunity to assess how Samson can adapt to different conditions. Rather than treating one dismissal as a verdict on his ability, the focus is likely to be on whether he can make small adjustments to his stance, shot selection and decision-making against the new ball.

Vihari explains Varun Chakravarthy’s difficult outing

Vihari also assessed India’s bowling performance in the series finale, where spinner Varun Chakravarthy returned to the playing XI. Chakravarthy took one wicket but conceded 45 runs from his four overs as New Zealand chased down the target comfortably.

Vihari said the spinner began well, particularly during his first two overs, before New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips put him under pressure. He also pointed to the surface, which did not offer much turn. Without assistance from the pitch, Chakravarthy had less margin for error once the batters began attacking.

That context is important when judging a bowler’s figures. A spinner’s effectiveness can depend not only on control and variation but also on grip, bounce and turn. On a relatively unresponsive surface, even a well-planned spell can become difficult if the opposition targets the bowler early.

India’s positives extend beyond the final result

Despite the defeat, Vihari identified several encouraging signs from India’s T20I campaign. He praised Abhishek Sharma’s contribution, highlighted Shreyas Iyer as a significant batting option and singled out Tilak Varma for his composure under pressure.

Vihari also viewed Naman Dhir’s performances positively. Nitish Kumar Reddy, in his assessment, had a decent rather than outstanding series, while bowlers Prince and Mayank showed promise. Arshdeep Singh had useful moments, and Vaibhav’s 40-run innings was another encouraging contribution.

Vihari’s comments on Vaibhav reflected the value of giving emerging players time to develop. He suggested that the batter was progressing and making the most of the opportunities available to him. In a competitive international setup, consistent chances can help young players build confidence and learn how to handle different match situations.

What the series could mean for India’s next steps

India’s 3-2 series victory remains a positive outcome, even though the final two matches went New Zealand’s way. The results offered the team a mix of reassurance and areas to review: promising contributions from several batters, questions around Samson’s consistency, and a reminder that bowling plans must adapt to the conditions on the day.

For Samson, the immediate focus will be on responding to swing with more precise shot selection, especially during the opening overs. For India, the broader prediction is that competition for places and continued opportunities for younger players will shape the team’s plans as it turns attention to upcoming assignments. The final T20I may have ended in defeat, but the series has provided useful evidence about both the squad’s strengths and the adjustments still needed.