Cricket

Sanju Samson's inclusion ahead of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sparks furore as 'massive question' asked: 'What did he do?'

September 14, 2026

Ex-national team batter Mohammad Kaif has publicly scrutinized the Indian team leadership, including captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir, regarding their choice of openers for the T20I series opener against Afghanistan. Kaif expressed disbelief that Sanju Samson was picked over 15-year-old talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, despite Sooryavanshi collecting Player of the Series honors by amassing 151 runs with tallies of 50, 20, and 81 across three matches in Zimbabwe while Samson was given a rest.

Partnering Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order on Sunday, Samson managed only 10 runs off eight deliveries, prompting Kaif to argue on Cricbuzz that team brass seems indecisive about settling on a definitive pairing.

Samson had originally been omitted after consecutive low scores in a pair of T20Is against Ireland and one against England, paving the way for Sooryavanshi to make history as India's youngest debutant. Following three quiet initial outings from the teenager, Samson was recalled for the England tour's concluding fixture before being rested for Zimbabwe.

Given that the wicketkeeper-batter had not played competitive cricket in the interim to rebuild his form, Kaif contended that sidelining Sooryavanshi after such prolific recent returns sends an unfair and confusing message to the in-form youngster.

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