Former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has questioned the Indian cricket team management over the handling of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson. His comments came after Sooryavanshi was left out of India’s playing XI for the first T20I against Afghanistan in Delhi. Samson returned to the XI but scored only 10 runs, while the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi remained on the bench. Srikkanth said the repeated changes could create uncertainty for both players and urged the management to give them clearer and more consistent opportunities.Why Srikkanth Criticised Team ManagementKris Srikkanth questioned the decision to leave Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out despite his strong recent performances. The teenager had been named Player of the Series during India’s 3-0 T20I series win over Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs at a strike rate of 196.10. Srikkanth also expressed sympathy for Sanju Samson, arguing that both players should not be repeatedly moved in and out of the team without a clear plan.Sooryavanshi was left out of the first Afghanistan T20I.Sanju Samson returned to the playing XI and scored 10 runs.Sooryavanshi had scored 151 runs against Zimbabwe.Srikkanth questioned the consistency of the selection policy.He urged the management to give players a longer run.Sooryavanshi's Recent FormVaibhav Sooryavanshi entered the Afghanistan series after an impressive run in international cricket. He scored 151 runs in three T20Is against Zimbabwe, including an unbeaten-looking aggressive run of performances that earned him the Player of the Series award. He also recently featured in the Duleep Trophy, adding to his workload before the Afghanistan series.The youngster has quickly become an important part of discussions around India’s future T20 batting options. His rise has also created a selection challenge involving established players such as Sanju Samson, particularly after Samson’s own successful 2026 T20 World Cup campaign and subsequent inconsistent selection.Also Read: Asia Cup Trophy Row: Rajeev Shukla Says Naqvi Did Not ObjectSamson's Selection Under QuestionSrikkanth also raised concerns about Sanju Samson’s treatment by the Indian cricket team. Samson was left out during parts of the England series when Sooryavanshi was brought into the side, and he later returned for the Afghanistan assignment. In the opening match, however, Samson managed only 10 runs.Srikkanth argued that constantly changing between Samson and Sooryavanshi could affect player confidence. He suggested that the management should either back Samson for a sustained period or give Sooryavanshi a consistent run instead of making frequent changes.Latest Update On Selection DebateThe selection debate comes ahead of India’s second T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi. With Samson failing to make a major impact in the opening game and Sooryavanshi waiting for an opportunity, attention is now focused on the next playing XI. The situation has added further pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir and the management to find a clear approach for the two batting options.Key HighlightsKris Srikkanth criticised India’s handling of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.Sooryavanshi was dropped from the first Afghanistan T20I.Sanju Samson replaced him but scored 10 runs.Sooryavanshi had won Player of the Series against Zimbabwe.Srikkanth called for greater consistency in selection.India faces another selection decision before the second T20I.ConclusionKris Srikkanth’s comments have brought renewed attention to India’s selection strategy involving Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Both players have strong claims, but their recent movement in and out of the XI has created debate. The second Afghanistan T20I could provide another indication of the management’s preferred approach. The situation remains closely watched as India balances immediate results with the development of young talent.Disclaimer: This article is published for knowledge purposes and to provide news information based on available reports. Selection decisions remain with the Indian cricket team management.
