Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has urged national selectors to restore Sanju Samson to the top order for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan starting on September 13.
Samson rejoins the Indian squad following his omission from the recent Zimbabwe tour. The T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament suffered a severe dip in form during the subsequent series in England, returning scores of 5, 0, and 1 across three innings.
Proven World Cup Pedigree
The wicketkeeper-batter accumulated 321 runs in five innings at the global tournament, including an undefeated 97 against West Indies and 89 against New Zealand in the final. His absence in England provided an opportunity for teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who capitalised on a prolific Indian Premier League campaign to make his international debut.
Rahane maintains the established combination deserves continuity at the top of the innings. “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 via CricTracker.
Managing Rapid Youth Development
Sooryavanshi claimed the 2026 IPL Orange Cap alongside the MVP award by striking 776 runs and 72 sixes. The 15-year-old recently registered runs for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy and possesses extensive India A experience.
While Indian cricket navigates various transitions—highlighted elsewhere by Zaheer Khan’s Canada venture—selectors face a pressing decision regarding youth development versus proven international credentials.
India commence their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan on Sunday.
