Sanju Samson produced a powerful 57 off 22 balls as India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second T20I in New Delhi. His explosive innings came after questions were raised over his selection ahead of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Samson smashed seven fours and four sixes before Rashid Khan dismissed him. Abhishek Sharma also made a quick 39 off 19 balls as India chased 160 with 31 balls remaining. With Sooryavanshi still waiting for his opportunity, India’s opening combination remains a major talking point.Why Is Samson Still Opening?Sanju Samson was given another opportunity alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi again remained outside the playing XI. The decision attracted attention because Sooryavanshi had previously impressed during India’s Zimbabwe assignment and was named Player of the Series. However, Samson answered with one of his fastest T20I innings for India, attacking Afghanistan’s bowlers from the powerplay. His performance also helped India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Samson scored 57 runs from only 22 deliveries.He hit seven fours and four sixes during his innings.Abhishek Sharma contributed 39 from 19 balls.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remained on the bench for the second T20I.India chased Afghanistan’s 159-run total in 14.5 overs.Sooryavanshi Awaits His ChanceVaibhav Sooryavanshi entered the Afghanistan series after an impressive run in Zimbabwe, where his performances earned him the Player of the Series award. The 15-year-old batter was therefore expected by some observers to receive another international opportunity. Instead, the Indian team management selected Samson and Abhishek Sharma as the opening pair for both matches played so far. The choice has led to questions from former players and fans about when Sooryavanshi will get his next T20I chance.The selection challenge is also linked to Samson’s recent international record. He was the Player of the Tournament during India’s 2026 T20 World Cup triumph, but later missed matches after a difficult run in the United Kingdom. Sooryavanshi then received an opportunity, while Samson returned for the final T20I against England before missing the Zimbabwe tour. The Afghanistan series has brought the competition between the three top-order options back into focus.Also Read: Asia Cup Trophy Controversy: Muzumdar Backs BCCI Stand After India’s WinSamson Changes Selection DebateSamson’s 57 changed the conversation around his place in the Indian cricket team. He and Abhishek Sharma added 88 runs from just 38 balls before Rashid Khan removed both batters in the same over. Samson also crossed 1,000 T20I runs as an opener for India, joining an exclusive group that includes Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Abhishek Sharma. India then completed the chase comfortably and secured the series with one match still to play.Key HighlightsSanju Samson smashed 57 off 22 balls against Afghanistan.His innings included seven fours and four sixes.India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second T20I.India took a 2-0 lead and sealed the three-match series.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remained out of the playing XI.Rashid Khan dismissed both Samson and Abhishek Sharma.Opening Debate Remains AliveSanju Samson’s latest performance gives the team management another strong reason to continue with him, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains waiting for his opportunity. Samson himself described the selection situation as difficult because several players are performing well. The final T20I against Afghanistan on September 17 will provide another chance for the team to assess its options. For now, India have won the series, while the question over the best long-term opening combination remains open.Disclaimer: This content is provided only for knowledge purposes and to provide general news information; readers should follow official team announcements for further updates.
