Sanju Samson Breaks Silence on Competition with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Opening Slot: ‘Can’t Get Negative and Sulk'
The 31-year-old batter’s 22-ball 57 strengthened his case for India’s opening role and kept pressure on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma.
- On Tuesday, Sanju Samson struck 57 runs off 22 balls at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, propelling India to a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the 2nd T20I.
- Previously dropped from the XI, Samson faced significant pressure after poor performances against Ireland and England, where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replaced him in the lineup.
- Samson's explosive return intensifies a three-way selection battle for India's opening spots, with Abhishek Sharma and Sooryavanshi also competing for limited positions in the top order.
- Reflecting on selection challenges, Samson said, "I lead an IPL franchise, so I know how hard these decisions are," while emphasizing team goals over personal rivalry.
- India aims for a 3-0 series whitewash against Afghanistan in the third and final T20I on Thursday, September 17, as momentum builds in the competition.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Sanju Samson unfiltered: India star opens up like never before in candid presser
After smashing 57 off 22 balls against Afghanistan in Delhi on Tuesday, Sanju Samson spoke candidly about selection pressure, competition, outside noise and the lessons of 11 years in Indian cricket, offering an unfiltered glimpse into his mindset.
'We Want To Win The Game First': Samson Reflects On Competition With Sooryavanshi After Playing Match-Winning Knock
Sanju Samson silenced critics with a blazing 22-ball 57 against Afghanistan, intensifying the three-way selection battle for India's opening spots alongside Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Sanju Samson, who smashed 57 runs off 22 balls in the second T20I against Afghanistan, spoke openly about the criticism and outside noise after the match. He admitted that things affect him because he's not a machine. Sanju praised 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi and defended the team management's tough decisions.
Sanju Samson's blitz against Afghanistan keeps Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting - and the debate alive
Sanju Samson's explosive 57 off 22 balls against Afghanistan in the second T20I was more than a match-winning cameo — it was a compelling reminder of why India's T20I selection calls remain so difficult. Having lost ground to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Samson responded with fearless batting while acknowledging the challenge of balancing merit, opportunity and India's long-term vision at the top.
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