Sanju Samson has secured the opening position for India in the first T20I against Afghanistan, joining Abhishek Sharma at the crease. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will not be part of the playing XI for this match, which took place in Delhi on Sunday. The Indian captain, Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, marking a significant moment as it is the first time Jasprit Bumrah will play under Iyer’s leadership in a T20I.
In India’s previous T20I series against Zimbabwe, Abhishek Sharma and Sooryavanshi opened the innings while Samson was rested. All three players had also participated in India’s earlier series against England.
Speaking after the toss, Iyer explained the decision to bowl first, stating, “In T20 cricket, it’s often the strategy to bowl first. Knowing the conditions in Delhi and having played many matches here helps in making that choice.”
Abhishek has been an impressive performer for India in T20Is over the last two years, recording the highest strike rate among players with at least 500 T20I runs—an impressive 187.24 across 55 innings. He has also scored two centuries and 11 half-centuries. His position at the top of the order was largely seen as secure, while the second opening spot was contested between Samson and Sooryavanshi.
Sooryavanshi has shown promise in his young career, boasting a strike rate of 189.21 in six T20I innings. However, he faced challenges against England’s fast bowling during his debut series in July. On the other hand, Samson was a notable presence at the stadium, with banners honoring the wicketkeeper-batter displayed around.
India appears to have maintained the lineup they found effective during their series in England, where Sooryavanshi was left out for the final match. While Samson was not included in the squad for the Zimbabwe tour, he has returned to play in Delhi. Iyer acknowledged that finalizing the top order was a difficult decision.
An injury scare concerning Ishan Kishan may have impacted these choices. Kishan had a back sprain during Friday’s practice session, and Iyer noted that he felt fatigued after competing in the Duleep Trophy final just a week prior. With Kishan unable to keep wickets, it made the decision for Iyer and coach Gautam Gambhir easier to include Samson.
Samson had been instrumental in India’s T20 World Cup win in March, scoring notable innings of 97 not out, 89, and 89. He then joined the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, where he finished with 477 runs, including two centuries.
Looking ahead, Iyer emphasized the importance of maintaining the positive momentum gained during the Zimbabwe series. “It has been a rollercoaster, but there were many positives from our last series, and it’s that optimistic approach we’ll carry into this one,” he said.
As for Bumrah, Iyer remarked, “Having him in the squad is like a luxury. His vast experience and winning attitude are invaluable to the team.”
India Playing XI: Sanju Samson (w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Afghanistan Playing XI: Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
This match promises to be an exciting encounter for both teams.
