Former India assistant coach
Abhishek Nayar believes
Sanju Samson’s ability to bounce back with a big innings after a few low scores could mean Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his chance in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
Nayar also explained how India’s team combination, particularly the need for a left-right batting pair, could influence the selection decision.
Samson’s inconsistent performances have often raised questions about his place in India’s T20I side, with Sooryavanshi seen as a possible replacement. However, Nayar believes Samson’s ability to respond to criticism with a big score makes it difficult for the team management to move on from him.
“Sanju plays with everyone’s emotions because he won’t score runs for two matches, and everyone starts raising questions, ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play, Sanju Samson isn’t capitalising on his chances, how long will we wait?’ And at that very moment, he will score an 80 in no time. Sanju is that kind of player who will repeatedly give you opportunities to raise questions about him and then will play a big knock, making the most of his chances.
So, there will be moments when there will be talks about his place, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait,” Nayar told JioStar, as quoted by news agency IANS.
Nayar said the selection call would depend on more than just individual performances. He stressed that team balance and the management’s approach to selection were also important, warning that frequent changes could affect the team's culture and the development of young players.
“Often, for a team’s culture, if you are a coach or a captain, it is crucial to make the right decisions. If you make haphazard decisions, the impact on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s career is one thing, but the impact on team culture will be far greater. So, according to me, the decision will be, ‘Vaibhav, wait for your time; you will also get opportunities.’
“Maybe in a series where Sanju isn’t there or is rested, he will play. But as long as there is a left-hander at number three and at the top, you will always think that a right-hander in between is necessary. So, it’s not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; it’s about having that left-right combination so that a bowler like Bracewell doesn’t come and bowl out his overs in the powerplay,” Nayar added.