India, Feb. 1 -- India didn't drop Shubman Gill for Sanju Samson just to play faster. They did it to change what an Indian powerplay can be: less insurance, more immediate damage. The New Zealand series now has forced the blunt question - if Samson barely scored, did India gain anything at all?

The answer is yes, but not in the obvious way. India gained a different risk profile and a higher-ceiling template. They also exposed the coast: a shakier opening floor, and that matters most when pitches slow down or knockouts tighten nerves.

Let us start with some evidence. Against New Zealand, Samson's returns as opener were 10 (7), 6(5), 0(1), 24(15) and 6(6): 46 runs in five innings averaging 9.20 at a strike rate of 135.329. In four matches...