By Sidhant Tripathi3 min read
India face an interesting selection call ahead of the first T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium: who should open alongside Abhishek Sharma: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or Sanju Samson?
Sanju Samson offers experience and a right-handed option at the top. Vaibhav Suryavanshi brings an attacking approach that could make him and Abhishek an exciting opening pair. With only two opening spots available, India may have to leave one of them out.
Vaibhav or Samson: Who gets the nod?
India have tried both players at the top in recent series. Sanju Samson played in the fifth T20I against England when India’s first-choice players were available, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi left out of the XI. Suryavanshi later opened against Zimbabwe when Samson was rested. That sequence makes the selection debate more interesting: will India stick with Samson or back the youngster alongside Abhishek Sharma?
Pairing Samson with Abhishek would give India a left-right combination. That could be useful against Afghanistan’s bowlers, forcing them to adjust their lines and fields regularly.
However, the preparation ahead of the opening match appears to point towards Suryavanshi. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak reportedly worked closely with him in the nets, spending time on his batting against pace and spin. Samson, meanwhile, reportedly missed the optional session.
An optional practice session alone does not settle the selection debate, but Suryavanshi looks to be in contention to join Abhishek at the top.
Ishan Kishan likely to bat at No. 3
Ishan Kishan is expected to follow the openers. He comes into the series with domestic runs behind him, including a strong showing in the Duleep Trophy final.
At No. 3, his role could change depending on how India start. An early wicket would require him to build a partnership, while a strong powerplay would give him the freedom to keep attacking.
Captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma are likely to follow. Their presence gives India options through the middle overs, particularly if Afghanistan’s spinners slow the scoring.
Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy could occupy the next two spots, although their batting order may depend on the situation. Dube could be promoted to attack spin, while Reddy offers another option as India look to finish strongly.
Bumrah’s return strengthens the attack
Axar Patel is expected to slot in at No. 8, adding batting depth and another spin option. His presence also gives the captain flexibility if one of the frontline bowlers has a difficult outing.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return is a major boost for India. He is likely to partner Arshdeep Singh, giving the side two trusted options with the new ball and in the closing overs.
Varun Chakaravarthy appears to have the edge over Ravi Bishnoi for the specialist spinner’s spot. Alongside Axar, he would have an important role in keeping Afghanistan’s middle order under pressure.
India have several options, but the biggest question remains at the top. Backing Suryavanshi would give the youngster another opportunity to establish himself, while Samson’s experience keeps him firmly in the conversation.
India’s probable XI for the first T20I against Afghanistan
Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy.
