R Ashwin's Epic Reply To Fan Who Mocked Him For Making Sanju Samson "First Choice"

Sanju Samson had a forgettable T20I series against New Zealand that saw him score just 107 runs in 5 matches. Though India won the series 3-2, Samson's performances have triggered a debate around his role in the team, especially considering a talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is waiting in the wings. Seeing Samson being dismissed for 4 runs from 10 balls in the 5th T20I against New Zealand in Hamilton, a fan targeted former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who has publicly backed the wicket-keeper batter several times.

The fan poked Ashwin for making Samson his 'first choice' over the fact that the Kerala batter only score 107 runs in the 5-match series. Ashwin gave a fitting response to the fan, saying: "Sanju is my first choice, he's your full-time obsession".

— Ashwin(@ashwinravi99) November 1, 2026

What Led To India's Flop Show In 4th And 5th T20I?

India looked to wrap-up the 5-match T20I series with a clean sweep after winning the first three matches convincingly. However, New Zealand upped the ante in the final two matches to conclude the assignment with a high morale.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer rued the drop in momentum with the bat during the first innings and an underwhelming show with the ball and the field as reasons behind India's defeat to New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the series.

"It was plausible, honestly. We could have been better considering the start we got in the middle overs, the way Ishan and I created the momentum. And then from there on we lost back-to-back wickets. And then suddenly pressure on the new batsman," Shreyas said after the match.

"It wasn't an easy wicket to play on, especially when the ball was seaming and holding a bit. And also skidding through at times. You must have seen a couple of us; Tilak and I got out in a similar fashion. So yeah, it was challenging, especially with that hard length. But to get to 194, yeah, it was reasonable, I feel. I think we still could have been better with our bowling and fielding. We were a bit sloppy," he added.

Shreyas, however, called the series a great learning curve as they managed to register a 3-2 series win against New Zealand in overseas conditions. "But great learning. I think coming overseas, coming to New Zealand, getting to play on such different occasions, different grounds. Yeah, great learning curve," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

Spain's Royal Family Welcomes World Cup Champions To Zarzuela Palace