Samson-Sooryavanshi dilemma haunts India ahead of tricky Afghan challenge

New Delhi: India has to decide whether to go for ‘Boy Wonder’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s no-holds-barred aggression or to stick with the experience and unmatched flair of Sanju Samson, as they take on Afghanistan in the opening game of the three-match T20I series starting Sunday.

While Sooryavanshi was previously drafted in the playing eleven in England at the expense of Samson, the youngster failed to capitalise on the opportunity having had a lacklustre tour. It is only fair to mention that by the last match of the series, the 15-year-old had to make way for his senior partner's return. Sooryavanshi, however, had an outstanding comeback in the series against Zimbabwe, scoring two half centuries to drag himself back into the conversation. 

It is not a straightforward choice though Samson playing along his left-handed opening partner Abhishek Sharma is a more stable T20I pair which has done fairly well, given that Samson failed to impress with his chances post the T20 World Cup victory. Indian Men’s National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Shreyas Iyer will have a tough time deciding whether to compromise between raw power and experience.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has come forward in support of Samson for the opening slot. Rahane prefers the ‘world cup – winning’ top order of Samson, Abhishek and Ishan Kishan to remain unchanged.

“Despite being dropped after a string of failed innings, Samson deserves to have a second chance. As for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – he will have his share of chances coming his way with time,” opined Rahane through his Instagram handle.
(With Inputs from PTI)