It’s that time in the ongoing T20 World Cup where the competition has reached the stage of finality. Yes, it’s the title summit for which two hugely competitive and ultra talented sides are ready to unlock horns in the battle for cricketing supremacy in the sport’s briefest format and the careful warnings to guard against false shot making and last minute advice has already arrived from the observant quarters of one of Indian cricket’s most passionate observers: Akash Chopra.
Chopra has in fact levelled caution for none other than the most spectacularly in-form Indian batter at present- Sanju Samson. That’s ahead of the mega final clash versus New Zealand.
So what is it that we are talking about?
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his thoughts ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final, urging India’s batters to approach the start of their innings with caution against New Zealand’s dangerous pace attack. India will take on New Zealand national cricket team at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, March 8, with the hosts aiming to finish the tournament on a high. While India’s batting lineup has been aggressive throughout the competition, Chopra believes the team might need a slightly measured start in the all-important final. Sanju Samson is expected to open the batting for the India national cricket team, and Chopra specifically warned the wicketkeeper-batter about taking unnecessary risks against New Zealand’s strike seamer Matt Henry.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that Henry has previously troubled Samson, particularly with his ability to bowl full deliveries that move away from the batter.
“I think Sanju will have to be slightly careful against Henry because Henry is smart. He will bowl full and take the ball away.
You go deep inside the crease, and he has troubled you earlier as well,” Chopra explained. The former India opener also recalled a previous dismissal that highlights the challenge Samson could face.
According to Chopra, Samson once fell for a first-ball duck against Henry after the Kiwi pacer delivered a full ball that crashed into the stumps.
“I think a first-ball duck came against him. I think it was the Guwahati ground. The ball was bowled absolutely full, and it went and hit the stumps,” he added.
