India Management 'Spoiled Sooryavanshi's Confidence': Srikkanth Criticizes T20I Selection

The Indian T20I team currently boasts an abundance of top-order talent, including star IPL openers Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan. However, a constant toss-up between players, particularly Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson, has drawn criticism regarding player confidence, according to 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

Sooryavanshi was first picked for the tours of Ireland and England in June-July, making his T20I debut in the second match against England. He scored 14, 13, and 15 in his three appearances. In comparison, Samson played against Ireland and in the first T20I against England, recording scores of 5, 0, and 1 in those matches.

Samson made a comeback in the fifth T20I against England, scoring 27, but was subsequently rested for the tour of Zimbabwe. During this tour, Sooryavanshi showcased stronger form, scoring 50, 20, and 81, highlighting his potential at the international level.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth, speaking in a YouTube video, asserted that the team management's frequent chopping and changing has negatively impacted player morale. "They have not only spoiled his (Sanju Samson's) confidence, India have totally spoiled Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's confidence," Srikkanth stated. He suggested that Sooryavanshi could have been given three matches against a team like the West Indies and proposed resting Abhishek Sharma to allow Sooryavanshi and Samson to open in the next match.

Srikkanth also questioned Samson's consistency, noting his "up and down" performance. He pointed out Samson's three fine innings, including the final, in India's 2026 T20 World Cup win, contrasting it with his subsequent dip in form. Srikkanth remarked that Abhishek Sharma does not exhibit such extremes in his performance.

What to watch: Future team selections and opening partnerships in upcoming T20I series.

Editor's note: The draft captures the sports commentary and factual record of player performances accurately as presented in the source.