"It was a strategic call at the start" - Abhishek Nayar on Sanju Samson ahead of IND vs WI 2026 5th T20I
India keep faith in Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma after the pair combined for 313 runs in the series, leaving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting.
- India's five-match T20I series against the West Indies concluded in a 2-2 draw after the final match in Bengaluru was abandoned due to rain on October 17. Team management consistently backed openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma throughout.
- Captain Shreyas Iyer attributed the retention of Samson and Sharma to their experience as World Cup winners. This preference left 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the bench for all five matches despite his strong IPL campaign.
- Samson recorded 82 runs against the West Indies, while Sharma added 145 runs during the series. Sooryavanshi, who has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is since debut, remained sidelined throughout the contest.
- Shreyas Iyer encouraged Sooryavanshi to remain patient, emphasizing that opportunities will arise. Coach Abhishek Nayar praised Samson's "strategic" start, noting "the base was good, the head was steady" and he was in rhythm.
- Fans continue to wait for Sooryavanshi's home debut, as all eight of his previous T20I appearances occurred abroad. The 15-year-old remains focused on his process while awaiting his next opportunity with the national side.
29 Articles
29 Articles
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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