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India Weighs Samson or Sooryavanshi for Afghanistan T20I Opener
India is beginning a three-match T20 cricket series against Afghanistan.
The first game will be played in Delhi on Sunday.
Shreyas Iyer is named as India’s captain, while Ibrahim Zadran leads Afghanistan.
India already expects Abhishek Sharma to be one of its openers.
The big question is who will bat with him.
Sanju Samson is back in the squad after missing the Zimbabwe series.
Another possibility is Sooryavanshi.
Ajinkya Rahane believes India should use Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan in its top three, and said Sooryavanshi will get his chance later.
India will face Afghanistan in the first of a three-match T20I series on Sunday in Delhi.
Shreyas Iyer will lead India, while Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan.
The main selection question is who will open alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Sanju Samson has returned after missing India’s series against Zimbabwe, but his place remains uncertain.
Ajinkya Rahane backed Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as India’s preferred top three, saying Sooryavanshi’s opportunity will come.
- Who
- India, led by Shreyas Iyer, will play Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran.
- What
- The teams will play the first match of a three-match T20I series.
- Where
- Delhi.
- When
- The match is scheduled for Sunday.
- Why
- India must decide who will open alongside Abhishek Sharma, with Sanju Samson and Sooryavanshi among the possibilities mentioned.
Back the established top three
Consider Sooryavanshi
India’s opening combination
Back the established top three
Ajinkya Rahane said India should stick with Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, the top three he associated with the 2026 T20 World Cup-winning side.
Consider Sooryavanshi
The selection question includes Sooryavanshi as another possible opening option, although Rahane said Sooryavanshi’s time will come.
Sanju Samson’s role
Back the established top three
Samson has returned to the squad and is viewed by Rahane as part of India’s preferred top three.
Consider Sooryavanshi
Questions remain over Samson’s place despite his return after missing the series against Zimbabwe.
Key facts
- Match
- India vs Afghanistan, first T20I
- Series
- Three-match T20I series
- Venue
- Delhi
- India captain
- Shreyas Iyer
- Afghanistan captain
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Opening question
- Who will open alongside Abhishek Sharma
- Selection view
- Ajinkya Rahane favored Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as the top three
Sources
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