Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened for India in the first T20I against Afghanistan after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was benched despite his Player of the Series effort. Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said his team has plans ready for the 15‑year‑old Sooryavanshi, while Samson is described as a proven match‑winner and Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise leaves him little margin for repeated failures.
Why it matters
Samson’s reinstated opening role and the scrutiny on rising youngster Sooryavanshi affect India’s chances in the series.
Key facts
- Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said his team has plans ready for 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was benched for the first T20I against Afghanistan, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opening for India.
- Sanju Samson is described as a proven match‑winner.
- Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise has left him with far less room for repeated failures.
Evidence
Credible reporting, but no official confirmation yet.
- Afghanistan watching Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's videos, plans ready for 15-year-old: ‘We have knowledge’hindustantimes.comprimary(opens in a new tab)
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dropped despite Player of the Series effort; Sanju Samson reclaims place as opener vs Afghanistanhindustantimes.com(opens in a new tab)
- Sanju Samson's margin for failure shrinks as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waits impatiently outside India's XIhindustantimes.com(opens in a new tab)
- Sanju Samson vs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Fight Continues As India Eye Series Win vs Afghanistansports.ndtv.com(opens in a new tab)
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