Rahane Backs Sanju Samson Over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as India's T20I Opener

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has backed Sanju Samson to continue as one of India’s T20I openers ahead of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, arguing that the team should retain the combination that contributed to its T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year. Rahane believes Samson deserves another extended opportunity after being repeatedly moved in and out of the playing XI.

India’s opening combination in the shortest format has undergone several changes in recent times. Shubman Gill and Samson were initially competing for a place alongside established opener Abhishek Sharma. Ishan Kishan later strengthened his case for the position before moving down to No. 3, while Sooryavanshi was subsequently given an opportunity at the top, forcing Samson to make way.

Sooryavanshi endured a difficult start to his international career during the series against England, recording scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three matches. However, the youngster responded strongly in the following series against Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs in three games and earning the Player of the Series award. He also received the Player of the Match honour in the final match of the series.

Also Read: Sooryavanshi’s Candid Comeback To Tilak Varma’s Complaint Becomes A Viral Cricket Moment

Despite Sooryavanshi’s impressive comeback, Rahane feels India should return to the top three that performed during the World Cup. “I feel the top three should be the same that played in the World Cup. Samson has done well, but he got dropped after two or three bad innings. I want him to get another chance,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.

Rahane added that Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan had all made valuable contributions during India’s World Cup campaign, while Sooryavanshi would have opportunities in the future. He welcomed Samson’s recall for the upcoming Afghanistan series and pointed out that the wicketkeeper-batter had been named Player of the Series during India’s title-winning World Cup campaign.

“I am happy to see Sanju Samson back in the team. He was the Man of the Series in the World Cup. It has been up and down, and things were happening to him that were not in his control. But he is a match-winner, and his return strengthens the team,” Rahane said. He maintained that Samson’s experience and match-winning ability could provide greater stability to India’s top order at this stage.

Also Read: Kris Srikkanth Praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After Left-Hander’s Historic Duleep Trophy Outing