Sanju’s Return Puts Vaibhav’s Spot in Doubt

Star batter and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson has returned to India’s T20I squad for the series against Afghanistan, while young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has also been included. This has sparked interest over India’s opening combination. During the England tour, Sanju was dropped after a poor run and Vaibhav was given an opportunity alongside Abhishek Sharma. Although Vaibhav struggled against England, he impressed with his batting against Zimbabwe.

With Sanju back in the squad, however, Vaibhav could find it difficult to make the playing XI. If senior players Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma open the innings as expected, Vaibhav may have to remain on the bench and could get a chance only if either of them fails. Meanwhile, Vaibhav is representing East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, with the final scheduled from the 6th to the 11th of this month. The Afghanistan series will begin soon after, raising questions over whether Vaibhav and East Zone captain Ishan Kishan will be fully ready for the T20I series.