Samson’s 57 reopens India’s T20I selection debate
Sanju Samson’s explosive innings against Afghanistan has renewed questions over India’s opening combination and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s place in the plans.
Sanju Samson has reignited debate over India’s T20I opening plans after striking 57 from 22 balls against Afghanistan in the second match of the series.
Opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, Samson hit seven fours and four sixes, with 52 of his 57 runs coming in boundaries. He was dismissed at long-off when Mohammad Nabi held a catch near the boundary.
The innings followed Samson’s 10 in the opening match and placed renewed focus on his contest with teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for opportunities at the top of India’s order, according to Yahoo Sports.
The report says Samson was dropped after a poor performance against Ireland following India’s T20 World Cup triumph, before returning for the final two T20Is against England. He then missed India’s tour of Zimbabwe, where Sooryavanshi reportedly excelled and was named Player of the Match.
Against Afghanistan, Samson attacked Azmatullah Omarzai and Nabi, taking 23 runs from Omarzai’s 10 deliveries and 22 from Nabi’s seven. His performance strengthens the case for continued consideration, but does not settle how India will balance immediate form with its longer-term plans.
