India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane wants India to continue backing under-fire Sanju Samson ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pressure is rising on Samson as Ishan Kishan has grabbed his chance with both hands while batting at number three. Kishan has returned with scores of 8, 76 and 28 against the Kiwis.

On the other hand, Samson has managed 10, 6, and 0 in the first three games against the Blackcaps. Chopra reckons we might not have been in the same situation if Shubman Gill had not replaced Sanju Samson at the top of the order in the Asia Cup.

Ajinkya Rahane said on Cricbuzz, “I am sure that the management and the captain are going to back Sanju Samson. He’s a quality player. He just needs to believe in himself. He has the game, he has the ability.

“As a batter, what I’ve found in this format is that sometimes you’re going to look ugly when you get out — and that’s okay. It’s always about belief. It’s about going out there, playing with freedom, and backing yourself.

Rahane said it would not be prudent to compare Sanju Samson with in-form Abhishek Sharma and the former should recall the good innings he has played for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

“We spoke about Abhishek Sharma at the other end, but let’s not compare them. I think Sanju has a different ability. He should just go out there and think about his older innings — the good ones he’s played for Rajasthan Royals — and express himself.

“That will really help him get back in form. Even a 15-ball 25, a 20-ball 30 or 35 is okay, but spending that little bit more time at the crease is important. Take the first over out, take the second over out, and then take the game on from there.”

The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.