Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s time will come, says Rahane, as Sanju Samson gets the nod as the opener
Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has backed Sanja Samson to return to India’s back three for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, insisting that teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get his chance in the international setup.
With India set to face Afghanistan in Delhi, top-order composition is among the key selection questions facing the team management. Samson and Sooryavanshi are both part of the squad, leaving India to decide who should open alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Rahane, however, feels that India should stick with the top three that emerged during their successful T20 World Cup campaign. This would mean that Samson, Abhishek and Ishan Kishan got the nod and Sooryavanshi was waiting for his opportunity.
SANJU’S RETURN
“For me, I feel the top three who played in the World Cup. I think they should be the top three.” Sanju Samson has done very well. It was then dropped. He didn’t go two, maybe two or three innings, and then he was out. But I want Sanju Samson to get another opportunity,” Rahane said on his Hindi YouTube channel.
“Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan who have done well for us should also play. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets his chance. His opportunity will come. His time will come.”
Samson played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign, especially during the closing stages of the tournament. His performances in the last three games proved crucial as he won Prize for players of the tournament.
However, Samson has struggled for consistency ever since. His performances in India’s T20I series in the UK fell short of expectations, while the arrival of Sooryavanshi gave the management another option at the top of the order.
The 15-year-old has impressed with his aggressive batting and fearless approach, but Rahane believes India may not force him into a permanent role.
VAIBHAV’S CHANCE
Rather than worry about major adjustments at such an early stage in his career, Rahane feels that Sooryavanshi should continue with the game that earned him his place in the Indian line-up.
“I feel that right now he should play his game, the same game he came to the Indian team for. He should support the same game. It’s a very early stage for him, at the beginning of his career in international cricket, so he doesn’t have to think too much at the moment,” Rahane said.
“You should give him some freedom. As you continue to play, a year, two years, then your game will gradually change. But for now, I think the game that helped him get here, he should play the exact same game.”
Rahane also stressed the importance of Sooryavanshi maintaining balance off the field as he adjusts to the demands that come with being an international cricketer.
For now, though, Rahane’s preference is clear. He wants India to give Samson another opportunity alongside Abhishek and Ishan while also giving Sooryavanshi time to develop.
The Afghanistan series will therefore present an interesting selection challenge to the Indian management. They could stick with the experienced Samson, give Sooryavanshi his opportunity or find a way to accommodate both at the top of the order.
At least Rahane believes there is no need to rush the youngster. For him, Samson deserves another chance while Sooryavanshi’s time will come.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
11 Sep 2026 20:12 IST