Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels the third T20I of the ongoing series against New Zealand may be a make-or-break clash for Sanju Samson. Samson has aggregated only 16 runs across the first two matches of the ongoing series.

With Tilak Varma having fully recovered after the third T20I, Chopra noted that the competition for a spot in the XI will be between Samson and Ishan Kishan. The renowned commentator believes Kishan to be favoured over Samson because of the left-hander's explosive knock in the Raipur T20I.

"This could be the most important match of Sanju Samson's life.

I say that because this is the third match, Tilak Varma might be available after this match, and you might see him playing the match on the 28th (January). Then, only one of Ishan Kishan and Sanju will play. So, who will be that player? Both got out in the first match, Ishan Kishan scored 76 runs off 32 balls in the second match, and he has now run ahead in that race," shared Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel.

Samson scored 10 and six in the first two matches.

While Kishan departed for only eight in the series-opening clash, he plundered an explosive 76 off just 32 in the second T20I to bag the Player of the Match award to his name. Kishan's knock, which included 11 fours and four sixes, drew widespread praise from the cricket fraternity as well as commentators.

India are 2-0 up in the series already, winning by 48 runs in Nagpur (January 21) and by seven wickets in Raipur (January 23).

The Men in Blue will be keen to seal the series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in  Guwahati on January 25.

For the unversed, India have never lost a T20I series against the Kiwis in India. The Suryakumar Yadav-led unit will be willing to continue their series-winning streak by winning the third T20I as well.

For the unversed, India have never lost a T20I series against the Kiwis in India. The Suryakumar Yadav-led unit will be willing to continue their series-winning streak by winning the third T20I as well.