Rahane's verdict on Samson vs Vaibhav opening conundrum ahead of IND vs AFG

Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has backed Sanju Samson to return to India’s top three for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, while insisting that teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get his opportunity in the international setup.

With India set to face Afghanistan in Delhi, the composition of the top order is among the key selection questions facing the team management. Samson and Sooryavanshi are both part of the squad, leaving India with a decision to make over who should open alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Rahane, however, believes India should stick with the top three that featured during their successful T20 World Cup campaign. That would mean Samson, Abhishek and Ishan Kishan getting the nod, with Sooryavanshi waiting for his chance.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 did very well. After that he was dropped. Two, or perhaps two or three innings, went badly for him, and after that he was dropped. But I want Sanju Samson to get another opportunity,” Rahane said on his Hindi YouTube channel.

“Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who did well for us, should also play. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get his chance. His opportunity will come. His time will come.”

Samson played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign, particularly during the final stages of the tournament. His performances in the final three games proved vital as he went on to win the Player of the Tournament award.

However, Samson has struggled for consistency since then. His performances in India’s T20I series in the United Kingdom fell short of expectations, while the emergence of Sooryavanshi has provided the management with another option at the top of the order.

The 15-year-old has made an impression with his aggressive batting and fearless approach, but Rahane believes India do not need to rush him into a permanent role.VAIBHAV’S CHANCE

Rahane feels Sooryavanshi should continue playing the game that earned him his place in the Indian setup rather than worrying about making major adjustments at such an early stage of his career.

“I feel that right now he should play his game, the same game because of which he came into the Indian team. He should back that same game. It is a very early stage for him, early in his career in international cricket, so for the time being he doesn’t need to think too much,” Rahane said.

“You should leave him free. As you keep playing, one year, two years, after that your game will gradually change. But for the time being, the game that has helped him come here, I think he should play exactly that same game.”

Rahane also stressed the importance of Sooryavanshi maintaining a 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 allowing Sooryavanshi time to develop.

The Afghanistan series will therefore present the Indian management with an intriguing selection call. They could stick with the experienced Samson, hand Sooryavanshi his opportunity, or find a way to accommodate both at the top of the order.

Rahane, at least, believes there is no need to rush the youngster. For him, Samson deserves another chance, while Sooryavanshi’s time will come.- EndsPublished By: Amar PanickerPublished On: Sep 11, 2026 20:12 IST