Sanju Samson & Vaibhav Suryavanshi Playing 11 Plan: The fifth and final match of the ongoing five-match T20 International series between India and New Zealand will be played on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Seddon Park in Hamilton. While the Indian team has already secured an unassailable lead in the series, there is much discussion regarding the composition of the playing eleven. Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has proposed a specific plan that would allow young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be included in the playing eleven without having to drop Sanju Samson.
Ishan Kishan Returns: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Dropped
Following an injury to Ishan Kishan during the series, young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was brought into the playing eleven for the second and third T20 matches. Vaibhav made the most of his opportunity, winning over fans with a blistering 45-run knock in the third match. However, with Ishan Kishan returning to full fitness for the fourth T20, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had to be left out of the playing eleven—a decision that left many cricket fans quite disappointed.
Dinesh Karthik’s Plan: Samson & Vaibhav Together
Taking into account the fans’ disappointment and the team’s overall composition, Dinesh Karthik has suggested how the team management could accommodate both Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the final eleven.
According to Karthik, since India has already secured the series, the 5th T20I presents the perfect opportunity to test the team’s bench strength.
Rest Arshdeep Singh for 5th T20I
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik said, “Now that we have won the series, I see no harm in retaining Axar Patel in the side while resting one of the frontline fast bowlers. I would rest Arshdeep Singh and allow Mayank and Prince in the playing eleven.”
Praising Arshdeep, Karthik added, “Arshdeep has been brilliant, as always, and has emerged as India’s most successful bowler in this series. Given this, there is no downside to resting him; it would allow the team to see what an extra spinner or an alternative bowling option can bring to the table in these conditions.”
India Playing 11 Changes in Hamilton T20I
Dinesh Karthik’s suggestion implies that the team management could tweak the bowling attack while keeping the batting order robust. If Arshdeep Singh is rested, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be brought into the side as a top-order batter, while Sanju Samson could also remain in the lineup. It will be interesting to see whether the captain and the coach decide to implement this ‘master plan’ for the Hamilton T20I.
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