Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his international debut for India in the second T20I of the five-match series against England, but the selection sparked a major debate among fans. Many questioned the decision to leave out Sanju Samson, with the move drawing mixed reactions on social media.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, handed the 15-year-old his maiden T20I cap during the match at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday, July 4. At the toss, captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed that Sooryavanshi would open the batting with Abhishek Sharma, while Samson was left out of the playing XI.
Sanju Samson Could Have Easily Batted at No. 3 - Sanjay Manjrekar
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar questioned India's decision to exclude Sanju Samson for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut. He said that the move made little sense unless Samson was injured. Manjrekar added that the team could have accommodated the youngster by batting Samson at No. 3.
"Great to see Vaibhav in India colours. But what about Samson! Dropped?? Are you kidding me! No, I guess, injured. Let's hope it's injury. Or it's the most bizarre selection. Could have easily batted at 3 if you wanted to get Vaibhav in."
Great to see Vaibhav in India colours. But what about Samson! Dropped?? Are you kidding me!
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 5, 2026
No, I guess, injured. Let’s hope it’s injury. Or it’s the most bizarre selection.
Could have easily batted at 3 if you wanted to get Vaibhav in.
Sooryavanshi became India's youngest international debutant at 15 years and 99 days. He scored 14 runs off 10 balls, but England chased down 191 to win the second T20I by four wickets with one over remaining.
Team India's Selection Raises Questions Amid Sanju Samson Snub
Sanju Samson was dropped after a poor run with the bat during the Ireland and England series. The wicketkeeper-batter managed only six runs in his last three T20I innings, including one run in the opening match against England in Durham.
However, India's decision surprised many because the team management had earlier backed the existing top order. During the Ireland series, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said it would be unfair to drop a player just to give Sooryavanshi a debut.
Before the England series, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also said the youngster would have to wait for his opportunity. Bowling coach Morne Morkel had similarly backed India's top-order batters before the second T20I, making the selection change a surprise.
Pressure on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Team India's Top Order
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi entered international cricket after an outstanding IPL 2026 season. He scored 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 237.30 and won the Orange Cap. The left-handed batter has scored 1,491 T20 runs at a strike rate of 219.26 in his career.
The teenager has also been named in India's squad for the 2026 Asian Games. His debut is expected to be the start of a long international career, but it has also increased competition for places in the batting order.
Sanju Samson, meanwhile, was the Player of the Tournament at the 2026 T20 World Cup and enjoyed a decent IPL season before his recent dip in form. With India's top-order competition growing stronger, both players will be eager to make the most of their next opportunity.
Team India will be back in action during the third T20I on Tuesday, July 7, in Nottingham. The visiting team must win the upcoming match to keep the series alive.
