1 hr ago
India Weigh Sanju Samson Change Before Afghanistan T20I
India are preparing for their second T20 cricket match against Afghanistan.
They won the first match by seven wickets.
Sanju Samson has not scored many runs recently, so some people want Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play instead.
The team may still give Samson another chance because dropping him after one game may seem unfair.
Abhishek Sharma has also been inconsistent, but he recently scored 82 runs.
India must make at least one change because spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is injured.
Ravi Bishnoi is expected to replace him.
Afghanistan may bring back fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq because he is fit again.
India are considering whether to replace Sanju Samson with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the second T20I against Afghanistan.
Samson has scored 43 runs across five matches since the T20 World Cup final, increasing pressure on his place.
Abhishek Sharma has played all 11 of India’s post-World Cup matches and recently scored 82 against Afghanistan.
Varun Chakaravarthy is ruled out of the remaining matches with a fresh injury, with Ravi Bishnoi likely to replace him.
Afghanistan could bring fit-again fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq into the lineup, potentially replacing Fazalhaq Farooqi.
- Who
- India and Afghanistan, with selection attention on Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Varun Chakaravarthy and Naveen-ul-Haq.
- What
- The teams are preparing their probable playing XIs for the second T20I, potentially a series-deciding match.
- Where
- The article does not definitively state the venue for the second T20I; the first match was played at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
- When
- September 15, 2026, with the match scheduled for that night.
- Why
- India must replace the injured Varun Chakaravarthy, while Samson’s recent low scores have prompted debate over whether Sooryavanshi should play.
Make the Change
Give Samson Another Chance
India’s wicketkeeper-batter selection
Make the Change
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s continuing domestic performances and Samson’s 43 runs in five matches have strengthened calls for Sooryavanshi to replace him.
Give Samson Another Chance
Dropping Samson after one below-par performance in the series could be unfair, so India may give the experienced batter another opportunity.
Opening combination
Make the Change
India could alter the established opening setup to include Sooryavanshi, whose performances have generated momentum for his inclusion.
Give Samson Another Chance
India may retain the tried-and-tested combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, especially after Abhishek scored 82 in the opening match.
Key facts
- Match
- India vs Afghanistan, second T20I
- Series context
- India won the first T20I by seven wickets
- Sanju Samson
- 43 combined runs in five matches since the T20 World Cup final
- Abhishek Sharma
- Played all 11 of India’s matches after the World Cup and scored 82 in the first T20I
- India injury
- Varun Chakaravarthy is ruled out of the remaining two matches
- Likely replacement
- Ravi Bishnoi is expected to return to India’s XI
- Afghanistan possibility
- Naveen-ul-Haq could return after regaining fitness
Sources
Related news
India Select Samson to Open Against Afghanistan in Delhi
Rahane Backs Sanju Samson as India’s Preferred T20I Opener
Sanju Samson’s T20I Return Draws Backlash After Early Dismissal
India-Afghanistan First T20I Hinges on Samson-Sooryavanshi Selection
Rahane Calls for Consistency in India’s Afghanistan T20Is
Bumrah Returns as India Opt to Bowl Against Afghanistan
Naveen-ul-Haq Details Difficult Injury Recovery Ahead Afghanistan Return
Afghanistan Names Ibrahim Zadran Captain for India T20Is
