Because the countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 reaches its remaining week, former India stalwart Suresh Raina has made a daring prediction relating to who may finish the nation’s 16-year drought for a World Cup century. Since Raina’s personal 101 towards South Africa in 2010, no Indian has crossed the triple-figure mark within the match’s historical past.
Suresh Raina’s stunning decide for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 century scorer
Regardless of his latest struggles within the ongoing sequence towards New Zealand, Raina has thrown his full help behind Sanju Samson. Chatting with News18 on January 29, 2026, Raina backed the Kerala wicket-keeper to hitch him within the unique membership of World Cup centurions.
“Sanju Samson might be in that checklist. He opens the batting and has the flexibility. He has already scored a century in South Africa. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are additionally there. One in every of them could make it. However by some means, I believe Sanju could make a century on this T20 World Cup. I believe kind is non permanent. Sanju has that class. He has finished it over time, whether or not he’s taking part in for India or not.” Raina mentioned.
Raina additionally drew a comparability between Samson and the present captain, noting: “Have a look at Suryakumar Yadav. He hasn’t scored runs in nearly one 12 months. However nonetheless, the coach backed him. I believe the identical story is with Sanju. If he will get an opportunity, he will certainly do properly.” Raina concluded.
Additionally READ: India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup 2026? Suresh Raina and Anil Kumble reveal their picks
India’s remaining costume rehearsal and T20 World Cup 2026 path
The fifth and remaining T20I towards New Zealand on January 31 can be a homecoming for Samson on the Greenfield Worldwide Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. This match will serves as the ultimate alternative for Samson to repay Raina’s religion earlier than India shifts focus to their official World Cup marketing campaign.
India’s upcoming cricket matches and occasions
| Occasion | Date | Location | Particulars |
|---|---|---|---|
| fifth T20I vs NZ (Remaining Sequence Decider) | Jan 31 | Thiruvananthapuram | Samson’s house floor |
| Squad Meeting | Feb 3 | Mumbai | Tilak Varma and the complete WC squad hyperlink up |
| T20 World Cup Opener | Feb 7 | Wankhede Stadium | India vs USA; The title protection begins |
| The ‘Huge One’ | Feb 15 | Colombo | India vs Pakistan; The marquee Group A conflict |
Additionally READ: Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and other experts predict Team India’s leading run-scorer at T20 World Cup 2026
