India and England have completed two matches in the five-match T20I series, with the third encounter set to be played on Tuesday at Trent Bridge in West Bridgford. After England took the lead in the previous match, the upcoming contest has become crucial for India as they look to level the series. Sanju Samson has been dropped once again.
In the second T20I, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made much-anticipated debut for India. The young opener broke record of Sachin Tendulkar in setting a T20I record by becoming the youngest opener to represent India in the shortest format. But his first game with the bat proved modest – he picked up 14 runs before being out.
When Vaibhav was added, several fans and the former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar were left in anticipation of Sanju Samson’s selection.
Amazing to see Vaibhav in India colours and what about Samson! Dropped?? Are you kidding me! No, I guess, injured. Let’s hope it’s injury. Or it’s the most bizarre selection. Could have easily batted at No. 3 if you wanted to get Vaibhav in.”
Over the years Samson has been one the most reliable whiteball hitters for India, especially in tricky times. But his recent form appears to have dropped with three innings of totals of 5, 0 and 1.
The wicketkeeper batter finds himself in a dilemma with the competition getting tough nowadays and now it’s every opportunity is a do-or-die situation. With firecrackers such as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seeking regular chances with Pakistan, each innings might be crucial for them deciding their selection for the Indian T20 squad.