“Why is everyone pointing guns at me?” : Former India coach defends Sanju Samson amid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi calls

Sanju Samson of India (ANI Photo) Demand for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his India debut has continued to grow following his remarkable rise over the past few months, but former BCCI selector Saba Karim believes the team management is right to be patient with the teenage sensation.Sooryavanshi earned a place in India’s senior T20I squad after a sensational IPL 2026 campaign in which he amassed a record 776 runs. If selected, he would become India’s youngest international cricketer, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. However, despite growing demands from fans and former cricketers to hasten his debut, Karim feels there is no reason to change the established batting line-up.On Star Sports’ Follow the Blues, Karim defended Sanju Samson’s place and pointed to the player’s recent performances in India.“I don’t think so at this stage. Sanju Samson is a wonderful player. He won the match. He had a very good IPL season. Before that he was Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup. What are we looking at? Sanju Samson would be thinking, ‘Why is everyone gunning for me?'” Saba said.Karim also emphasized that being part of the senior national team at the age of 15 is a significant milestone for Sooryavanshi and an opportunity to develop on and off the field.“Even for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, it’s a good learning curve. He will also understand that to get into this Indian XI, you have to earn your calling. This environment will help him grow as a player and as a human being. Even though he has such an incredible amount of talent, when you get into such a competitive environment, you have to wait,” he added.Former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who was also part of the discussion, shared a similar view and termed Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the national team as a great achievement in itself.“It’s a huge opportunity for him. He may not have got a chance in the playing eleven but he is part of the Indian team. It’s a big thing when you’re in the 15-man squad and it’s a dream come true for him. When he gets a chance in the playing eleven, it will be an even bigger moment,” Pujara said.“He will have to wait for his opportunity. It is a big positive for Vaibhav Suryavanshi to be part of the team. He can train with the players and be in an environment where he is surrounded by senior cricketers and coaches to learn from. He is an exceptional talent but he will have to wait a bit for that opportunity.”India are currently touring England for a five-match T20I series. The opening match in Durham was called off after rain interrupted play after the first innings, with the second T20I due to be played on Saturday.

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