Photo via The Times of India

'India have totally spoiled Sooryavanshi's confidence': Ex-cricketer makes bold claim

Former India captain K. Srikkanth has criticized the national team's management for undermining the confidence of young openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson through frequent rotation of the batting pair.

Srikkanth argued that Sooryavanshi, who scored 50, 20, and 81 during the Zimbabwe tour after making his T20I debut, deserved a more consistent run of matches, such as against the West Indies, rather than being disrupted by the continued inclusion of Abhishek Sharma. He suggested resting Sharma to allow Samson and Sooryavanshi to form a stable opening partnership, while also noting Samson's historical inconsistency despite his strong performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup final.

In the latest encounter, India lost to the West Indies by 24 runs in Hyderabad, leveling the five-match series at 2-2. The West Indies posted 247/3, driven by Shai Hope's unbeaten century off 50 balls and Sherfane Rutherford's 49 not out.

India's chase of 248 began strongly with Samson hitting 56 off 20 balls and Abhishek Sharma adding 29, but a collapse in the 19th over, sparked by Keemo Paul taking three wickets, saw them bowled out for 223.

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