Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Rahane Backs Sanju Samson as India’s Preferred T20I Opener
Sanju Samson has been selected again for India’s T20I team.
He was left out of the squad for the England tour after several low scores.
Before that, he had played three strong innings of 97, 89 and 89.
Ajinkya Rahane said Samson should be given more chances.
Rahane believes Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan should form India’s top three.
He also said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get more opportunities later.
Sooryavanshi was included after making his England-tour debut.
Shreyas Iyer will captain India against Afghanistan.
Sanju Samson returned to India’s squad for the Afghanistan T20I series after being dropped for the England tour.
Ajinkya Rahane said Samson should receive another opportunity after a few poor innings.
Rahane backed a top three of Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who contributed during the T20 World Cup.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was included in the squad after making his debut during the England tour.
Shreyas Iyer was named captain, with Tilak Varma appointed vice-captain for the Afghanistan series.
- Who
- Sanju Samson, Ajinkya Rahane and India’s T20I squad, including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- What
- Samson returned to India’s squad for the Afghanistan T20I series, while Rahane endorsed him as a preferred opener.
- When
- The selection followed India’s England tour and preceded the Afghanistan T20I series; specific dates were not provided.
- Where
- The series involves India and Afghanistan; the articles also refer to England and the United Kingdom tour.
- Why
- Samson was recalled after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not impress in the England T20I series, while Rahane said Samson deserved another chance.
- Series
- Afghanistan T20I series
- Samson’s recent World Cup scores
- 97, 89 and 89
- Samson’s World Cup recognition
- Player of the tournament
- Captain
- Shreyas Iyer
- Vice-captain
- Tilak Varma
- Wicketkeepers
- Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan
- Squad size
- 15 players