Former Indian batter Hanuma Vihari has raised concerns over Sanju Samson's batting technique following the team’s crushing seven-wicket defeat in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand. Sanju Samson failed to make a big impact in the five-match T20I series in New Zealand.

India lost the last two matches against the Black Caps, although they managed to win the series 3-2. However, Vihari was disappointed with Samson's batting approach and pointed out some mistakes in his technique, as he could manage only 107 runs across the five innings.

Hanuma Vihari reveals why Sanju Samson failed against New Zealand's swing bowling

Hanuma Vihari felt that losing the toss made batting difficult for India because the ball was moving off the pitch in the early overs in Hamilton. He believed Abhishek Sharma was in a hurry to play his shot and failed to connect properly.

New Zealand pacer Adam Milne also made good use of the early swing, with the breeze at Hamilton helping him in the final T20I against the Black Caps. However, Vihari had a bigger concern with Samson's approach. Amid this, Gautam Gambhir praises T20I team's effort but warns players against complacency before IND vs NZ ODIs.

He pointed out that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter often stands deep in his crease and allows the ball to come towards him. Vihari has further pointed out that Samson tried to play across the line against a moving delivery and ended up losing his wicket. Vihari felt the right-hander should have been more careful instead of playing that shot.

Hanum Vihari said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, "I think India losing the toss made a difference. The ball was moving off the pitch initially. Abhishek was early into the shot. He was hasty, and it hit the bottom of his bat. At Hamilton, the breeze also helped, and Adam Milne made use of that initial swing. Samson also stays deep in the crease and lets the ball swing. He should not have tried to play across the line. It was a rare failure for Abhishek. Sanju was inconsistent in this series.”

Vihari highlights Sanju Samson's poor numbers; explains why Varun Chakravarthy struggled

He also highlighted Samson's poor consistency throughout the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The Kerala batter finished the series with just 107 runs in five matches at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate of 142.66. He managed only one half-century.

Vihari also shared his views on India's bowling combination in the final T20I. India picked Varun Chakravarthy back to the playing XI, but he failed to make a big impact, taking only one wicket while conceding 45 runs in his four overs in Hamilton.

He felt Varun started well in his first two overs, but Glenn Phillips later attacked him. The former Indian cricketer also pointed out that the spinner's bowling became less effective because the pitch was not offering much turn in Hamilton. Earlier, Ambati Rayudu makes special request to Pragyan Ojha for Kuldeep Yadav ahead of IND vs NZ ODIs.

Hanuma Vihari names 5 big positives for India after New Zealand T20I series

Well, Vihari found several positives in India's overall performance in the last two T20Is. He was impressed with Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Tilak Varma, especially the way Tilak handled pressure. Naman Dhir also caught his attention, while Nitish Kumar Reddy had a decent series.

He signed off by saying, “What are the positives for India? I think Abhishek was one. Shreyas Iyer is the batter. Tilak was outstanding under pressure. Nitish had an average series, not an excellent one, but he was decent. Naman Dhir was good. In bowling, I thought Prince was decent. Mayank was decent. Arshdeep did well in bits and pieces. Vaibhav also got a 40 in one match. Vaibhav is getting there. In the chances he gets, he is doing well. There is no harm in waiting.”