"It was a strategic call at the start" - Abhishek Nayar on Sanju Samson ahead of IND vs WI 2026 5th T20I
India have kept faith in Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma after the pair combined for 305 runs in the series.
- On Saturday, the five-match T20I series between India and West Indies ended in a 2-2 draw after rain washed out the final game at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
- India maintained a consistent opening pair throughout the series, relying on Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma while leaving 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the bench despite his impressive IPL performance.
- Samson scored 168 runs in the series, including an 82-run knock, while Abhishek added 145 runs, demonstrating the management's confidence in the experienced duo's form.
- Captain Shreyas Iyer explained the team backs the experienced openers, telling Sooryavanshi to remain patient and focus on his process while waiting for his national team debut.
- Sooryavanshi, who has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is outside India, remains waiting for his debut on home soil, having featured in only three matches earlier this year.
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Why Did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Not Play Against West Indies? Indian Captain Shreyas Iyer Explains
India captain Shreyas Iyer explained on Sunday why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not feature in the playing XI during the five T20Is against West Indies. Iyer said India backed the experienced opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, while the final match in Bengaluru was washed out, leaving the series tied 2-2.
15-ball key to success: How taking time has made Sanju Samson more lethal in T20s this year - The Tribune
As India takes on West Indies in the T20I series decider in Bengaluru on Saturday, all eyes will be on Sanju Samson, who fired an aggressive half-century during his side's massive 248-run chase at Hyderabad in the previous match.
Ahead of the decisive India-West Indies T20I, Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Instagram story is making the rounds. Despite not getting a chance in the first four matches, he shared a hopeful message.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi posts two-word message after sitting out 4 straight matches ahead of IND vs WI 5th T20I
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has remained on the bench for all four T20Is against West Indies and posted "still believing" on social media ahead of the series decider. Head coach Gautam Gambhir backed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as openers, saying Sooryavanshi must wait for his opportunity but will receive a longer run once selected.
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