Table of Contents
The India National Cricket Team management and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s decision to change Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting position backfired during the second T20I against the New Zealand National Cricket Team at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The teenage sensation, who usually opens the innings, was pushed down to No. 3, but the gamble failed badly as he managed just four runs in his comeback match after missing 6 matches.
Vaibhav’s early dismissal has raised questions about whether India made the big blunder as Sanju Samson also failed to deliver with the bat as the touring side chases 181 runs in Christchurch.
Gautam Gambhir under fire as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's No. 3 experiment fails and Sanju Samson also flops
All eyes were on Vaibhav before the match after India captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed that the youngster would replace the injured Ishan Kishan in the playing XI. However, the left-hander was asked to bat at No. 3 instead of opening the innings against the Black Caps.
But Vaibhav’s new role did not go as planned. The youngster looked uncomfortable at the crease and managed only four runs off eight balls. Nathan Smith bowled a hard-length delivery outside off, and the left-handed batter went for a big drive. Earlier, Abhishek Sharma becomes first cricketer in history to achieve this T20I milestone.
The teenage batting sensation failed to middle the ball, and Daryl Mitchell took a stunning catch at cover to end his short stay. Following his cheap dismissal, many have been slamming the Indian team management and Gautam Gambhir’s experiment in Christchurch.
Sanju Samson's flop show adds to India's batting woes
Adding to India’s woes, Sanju Samson had a chance to make a strong statement but failed to grab the opportunity. The right-hander scored just 14 runs off 17 balls with the help of one boundary and one maximum before falling to Jacob Duffy in the second T20I at Hagley Oval.
Duffy outsmarted Samson with a slower delivery. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter moved away and tried to hit a big shot but only managed to slice the ball high into the air. Glenn Phillips settled under it near the cover point to ensure Samson’s early exit in Christchurch.
India face massive collapse against New Zealand
Vaibhav’s poor return and Samson’s failure have put the spotlight on India’s decisions, with Gambhir and the team management facing questions over thier calls as they could slip the chance to take a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
The Men in Blue have found themselves in a troubling spot, as they have already lost five wickets, and they still need 97 runs in 47 balls to win the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch. Almost half of the team was dismissed without scoring even 30 runs against the Black Caps as the hosts take the upper hand in the ongoing second T20I on Saturday.
