'Sooryavanshi didn't do anything wrong': Ex-India star questions Samson's selection
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has criticized the Indian team management for selecting Sanju Samson over young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for a T20I match. Kaif argued that the decision lacks consistency and creates confusion regarding the team's opening strategy.
Why it matters
The critique reflects broader debates within sports media regarding meritocracy versus experience in national team selection processes.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has questioned India's decision to pick Sanju Samson ahead of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the first T20I against Afghanistan.Samson returned to the Indian team but managed only 10 runs off nine balls as India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.Sooryavanshi was among India's best performers on their recent tour of Zimbabwe. The 15-year-old was named Player of the Series after India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep.The youngster also scored runs for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026. However, he was left out of India's playing XI for the first T20I against Afghanistan.Samson over SooryavanshiIndia had to choose between Sooryavanshi and Samson after the latter returned to the squad.
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