Yuzvendra Chahal opted for Sanju Samson ahead of Kishan even as Samson struggled for runs. (Image credit: Agencies) NEW DELHI: Despite enjoying a stellar run in the recently-concluded T20I series against New Zealand, in-form left-hander Ishan Kishan failed to make his way into Yuzvendra Chahal’s preferred playing XI for India’s T20 World Cup opener against the United States on Saturday.Chahal opted for Sanju Samson ahead of Kishan even as Samson struggled for runs. Samson was selected to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, replacing Kishan at the top of the order.
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The New Zealand T20I series gave Samson a chance to cement his place after returning to the opening role after a three-month layoff. However, he managed just 46 runs at an average of 9.20. In contrast, Kishan amassed 215 runs at an impressive average of 53.75 and a strike rate of 231.18, highlighted by a century in the fifth T20I.Reigning champions India will head into the T20 World Cup as strong favorites on home soil.Suryakumar Yadav-led India began their campaign against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.On paper, India look good to defend their title. Since lifting the T20 World Cup in 2024 after defeating South Africa in the final, they have won 33 out of 41 T20Is and lost just six.Their recent 4-1 home series win over New Zealand further showed the squad’s depth and adaptability in familiar conditions.Chahal’s Preferred Game 11: Abhisehk Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
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Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh
