Ajinkya Rahane Backs Sanju Samson, Says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Time Will Come
Ajinkya Rahane wants India to retain Sanju Samson in the top three for the Afghanistan T20Is while allowing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi time to develop.
Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has backed Sanju Samson to return to India’s top three for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, while advising the team not to rush teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into a permanent role.
Rahane believes India should retain the combination that featured during their successful T20 World Cup campaign, with Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan forming the top three. He said Samson deserves another opportunity despite his recent struggles and pointed to his important contributions during the latter stages of the World Cup.
Samson has faced consistency issues since the tournament, while Sooryavanshi has emerged as an exciting option following his aggressive performances. The 15-year-old is part of India’s squad for the Afghanistan series and could compete with Samson for an opening position alongside Abhishek.
Rahane urged Sooryavanshi to continue playing the fearless brand of cricket that earned him international recognition rather than making major changes to his approach. He stressed that the youngster is still at an early stage of his career and will naturally develop with experience.
With India set to begin the Afghanistan series in Delhi on September 13, the management faces a key selection decision. Rahane’s preference is to give Samson another chance while allowing Sooryavanshi time to grow and establish himself.
