Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Snubbed For First T20I vs Afghanistan In Big Verdict By Ex-India Star

By Suresh

**Selection Dilemma Tops the Order Ahead of India-Afghanistan T20I Opener** Greetings, cricket lovers. As a musician, I've always found rhythm in the way a batting order unfolds—like an *alap* building into a crescendo. And this upcoming T20I vs Afghanistan in New Delhi on Sunday promises just that drama around the top of the order. Former India star Vivek Razdan has thrown his weight behind captain Shreyas Iyer staying put at No.4, and keeper-batter Sanju Samson opening the innings. India face a genuine puzzle: four options for two opening slots—Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Samson, and the sensational 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Razdan made a bold call during the Sony Sports press meet, and I must applaud his clarity. With Abhishek, Vaibhav, and Kishan all lefthanded, he argues against forcing a right-hander into the XI purely for combo purposes. *"Who is that batsman? How has his performance been? This is very important. If I don't have a right-hander who has performed like this, then play seven lefthanders. Performance is the key."* His case for Samson rests on merit, not sentiment—recalling the keeper-batter's World Cup heroics, including a 300+ run haul at a 200 SR. Even while acknowledging the usual left-right balancing act captains juggle, Razdan insists Samson's form wins the argument. **The Bigger Picture** This marks Iyer's first home series as captain, with Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy returning from injury to bolster the squad. Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran, seek their first-ever T20I win over India—they've met nine times, with India winning eight. Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old who debuted in England, remains the wildcard. Watch closely—who cracks the opening act? Source: NDTV Sports