Can Henry trouble Samson in T20 WC final? Chopra opines
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has advised the Men in Blue to be cautious at the start of their innings in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand. He specifically warned Sanju Samson against being overly aggressive while facing Matt Henry, a right-arm seamer who has dismissed him twice across three T20I innings. The final match is scheduled for March 8 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.
Tactical caution
Henry has troubled Samson in the past: Chopra
In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra advised Samson to be careful against Henry as he is a smart bowler. "He will bowl full and take the ball away. You go deep inside the crease, and he has troubled you earlier as well," Chopra said. He also recalled an incident where Henry dismissed Samson for a golden duck in Guwahati earlier this year. The series saw Henry trap Samson twice across 10 balls, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Information
Samson's phenomenal run in ongoing T20 WC
Samson scored an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in a virtual quarter-final and an 89-run knock against England in semi-final. Overall, Samson has scored 232 runs across four matches in this tourney. He is India's third-highest scorer, behind Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
Strategic advice
Indian batters should be cautious against New Zealand's seam attack
Chopra also advised Indian batsmen to be a little cautious before going all out against New Zealand's seam attack. He said, "I won't ask you to go all guns blazing against them because 250 aren't required to be scored every time. You need to accelerate after giving yourself a little time." This comes in light of Lockie Ferguson's recent success against India and his dismissal of Samson in the final T20I of their series earlier this year.
Key player
Hardik Pandya's performance will be crucial for India, says Chopra
Chopra also emphasized the importance of Hardik Pandya's performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. He said, "I think Hardik's role will be massive because his four overs could be the difference between a win and a loss." Chopra added that if it's Pandya's good day, it would be India's good day too. He also hinted at a possible redemption story for Pandya if he wins the trophy at Gujarat Titans's home ground.