Shreyas Iyer admits selection headache as Samson, Sooryavanshi vie for starting spot

India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has admitted that the team management faces a selection headache ahead of the first T20I against Afghanistan, where Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are competing for the two spots at the top of the order. India open their three-match series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday, but Iyer remained tight-lipped about who will open the innings.

All three batsmen bring strong credentials to the competition. Samson was the player of the tournament at the T20 World Cupwhile 15-year-old Sooryavanshi was recently named player of the series in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Abhishek was preferred over Samson when Sooryavanshi made his T20I debut during the England tour.

Iyer acknowledged that it will be a tough decision for him and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

“All three, it’s a luxury above all to have them in the team and they are flawless in their own departments. Well, it will be exciting because they have been performing consistently,” Iyer told reporters on Saturday.

“And you’ll see whoever gets an opportunity, it’s definitely for the benefit of the team. And for a player sitting out, it’s important that I interact with them along with the coach and give them that confidence. You know what, no matter what, you’re going to get an opportunity when the day comes,” he added.

Samson and Sooryavanshi have experienced mixed fortunes in India’s recent T20I assignments. Samson played two matches against Ireland and the opening match against England before being dropped. Sooryavanshi featured in the second, third and fourth T20Is against England before returning for the final match.

The teenager then made a strong impression in Zimbabwe where he finished as player of the series. He opened alongside Abhishek in all three matches, with Samson rested for the tour.

The handling of both Samson and Sooryavanshi during the Ireland and England series also attracted criticism, making the Afghanistan series an important opportunity for India to settle their preferred combination.

For Iyer, Sunday’s match will also be another chance to make his mark with the bat. Under his leadership, India lost the T20I series against Ireland and England before making an emphatic recovery to sweep Zimbabwe 3-0.

ISHAN KISHAN SUITABLE FOR FIRST T20I

Iyer also confirmed that Ishan Kishan is fit and available for Sunday’s opener after the left-handed batsman suffered a sprain during practice on Friday.

Kishan left during the sessionbut Iyer said it was not a major concern and that the batter had been given adequate rest.

“I feel he is fine at the moment. I interacted with him after practice. It was just a little chirp and he was playing non-stop cricket,” Iyer said.

“We all know the knock he played in the Duleep Trophy. So definitely a bit tired. But he rested today and I am sure he will be fine tomorrow,” he added.

With Kishan and three contenders for the two opening slots available, India are set for an interesting selection call when they name their XI for the first T20I against Afghanistan.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

12 Sep 2026 19:15 IST