Samson or Sooryavanshi? Iyer admits opener selection headache before first T20I
India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer admitted the team management faces a selection headache ahead of the first T20I against Afghanistan, with Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi competing for two spots at the top of the order. India begin their three-match series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, but Iyer remained tight-lipped about who will open the innings.
All three batters bring strong credentials into the contest. Samson was the Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup, while 15-year-old Sooryavanshi was recently named Player of the Series in Zimbabwe. Abhishek, meanwhile, was preferred ahead of Samson when Sooryavanshi made his T20I debut during the England tour.
Iyer acknowledged that it would be a difficult decision for him and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
"All three of them, having them in the team is a luxury first of all, and they are flawless in their own departments. Well, it is going to be a tight call because they have been performing consistently," Iyer told reporters on Saturday.
"And see, whoever gets the opportunity, it's definitely for the team's benefit. And the player sitting outside, it's important that I have an interaction with him, along with the coach, and give them that confidence. That, you know what, no matter what, you will get your opportunity when the day comes," he added.
Samson and Sooryavanshi have both experienced mixed fortunes in India's recent T20I assignments. Samson played two matches against Ireland and the opening game against England before being dropped. Sooryavanshi featured in the second, third and fourth T20Is against England before returning for the final match.
The teenager then made a strong impression in Zimbabwe, where he finished as Player of the Series. He opened alongside Abhishek in all three matches, with Samson rested for the tour.
The handling of both Samson and Sooryavanshi during the Ireland and England series had also attracted criticism, making the Afghanistan series an important opportunity for India to settle their preferred combination.
For Iyer, Sunday's match will also be another chance to make an impact with the bat. India lost their T20I series against Ireland and England under his captaincy before recovering emphatically to sweep Zimbabwe 3-0.ISHAN KISHAN FIT FOR FIRST T20I
Iyer also confirmed that Ishan Kishan is fit and available for Sunday's opener after the left-handed batter suffered a back niggle during Friday's training session.
Kishan walked off during the session, but Iyer said there was no major concern and that the batter had been given adequate rest.
"I feel that he is comfortable at the moment. I interacted with him after the practice session. It was just a small niggle, and he has been playing continuous cricket," Iyer said.
"We all know the knock he played in the Duleep Trophy. So, definitely a bit fatigued. But today he got that rest, and I am sure that he will be fine for tomorrow," he added.
With Kishan available and three contenders for the two opening slots, India are set for an intriguing selection call when they name their XI for the first T20I against Afghanistan.- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Sep 12, 2026 19:15 IST
