India began their T20I campaign against Afghanistan in commanding fashion, chasing down a 160-run target without allowing the opposition to build any real pressure. The opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided the platform for a comfortable victory, putting together an 88-run partnership before India completed the chase in just 14.5 overs.
Samson, in particular, made a strong statement with a blistering 57 off 22 balls, while also addressing the growing debate surrounding India’s opening combination and the presence of teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Sanju Samson shares his take on opening spot competition
Samson’s explosive innings came at an important time, with considerable discussion surrounding the competition for India’s two opening positions in T20I cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter responded in emphatic fashion on the field before making his position clear during the post-match press conference.
Asked about the competition involving Sooryavanshi and Abhishek, Samson insisted that such a battle exists largely outside the Indian dressing room. According to him, the players see each other as teammates working toward the same objective rather than rivals fighting for individual opportunities.
“I think they (Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma) are competitors for the outside world, but we are a team, and we are playing for our country. We want to win the game first, and then it comes down to the other individuals,” Samson told reporters.
He also stressed that players cannot afford to become frustrated when opportunities go to someone else.
“We cannot sulk or be in a negative frame of mind, thinking, ‘Oh, I did not get it, why was it given to him?’ Those kinds of mindsets do not work here,” he added.
Samson acknowledged that he has occasionally seen comments from former Indian cricketers discussing the opening-slot debate. While he generally tries to stay away from social media, he admitted that avoiding every outside opinion is not always possible.
“I try to switch the Wi-Fi off. But sometimes the Wi-Fi gets switched on, and comments become visible. Some senior player says something. So I think it is very normal,” Samson said.
He also recognised the broader impact of outside opinions on Indian cricketers but emphasised the importance of maintaining clarity.
“Definitely, outside noise does affect cricketers in India. But you need to be very clear about your mindset, how you need to prepare, and the mindset you need to play with,” Samson added further.
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Samson’s sizzling show in the 2nd T20I against Afghanistan
India’s pursuit of 160 was given an ideal start by Samson and Abhishek, who ensured the required rate never became a concern. Their 88-run opening stand effectively put India in control of the chase before the innings reached its later stages. Samson’s contribution stood out. The right-hander struck 57 runs from only 22 deliveries, producing the kind of aggressive innings that immediately shifted the momentum in India’s favour. With India eventually reaching the target in 14.5 overs, the knock also provided a timely response to the conversations around his place in the opening combination.
The performance came amid social media discussions involving Samson, Abhishek and 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, with opinions divided over who should receive opportunities at the top of the order.
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