Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be in line for a return to India’s playing XI when they face Afghanistan in the third T20I on Thursday. With India already sealing the series, captain Shreyas Iyer has hinted that the team could use the final game to rotate the squad and give the bench players valuable match time.
India took an unassailable 2-0 lead with a seven-wicket win in the second T20I in Delhi, chasing down Afghanistan’s 159/8 in just 14.5 overs. Speaking after the match, Iyer stressed the importance of getting the players who have been waiting on the sidelines accustomed to the conditions.
AFG vs IND 2nd T20I: Highlights | Scorecard
“Definitely, we want all of them to get used to the wicket and get some practice, so it will be a good opportunity to give a chance to the guys sitting out,” Iyer said.
That comment could pave the way for Sooryavanshi, who has been left out of the XI since Sanju Samson returned to the side. The 15-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough tour of Zimbabwe, where he made his international debut and was named Player of the Series, but has had to wait for another opportunity since Samson’s return.
SOORYAVANSHI COULD RETURN
Sooryavanshi and Samson are yet to feature together in an India XI. The teenager played all three matches in Zimbabwe only after Samson was omitted, while Samson has occupied the opening slot since returning to the team.
However, Samson’s performance in the second T20I has complicated the equation. The wicketkeeper-batter responded to a disappointing first outing with a blistering 57 from 22 balls, smashing seven fours and four sixes as India raced to 82/0 in the Powerplay. His assault helped set up a comfortable chase and reminded the management of his ability to dominate in Indian conditions.
Abhishek Sharma also struck a rapid 39 from 19 balls as the opening pair put India firmly in control before Rashid Khan broke the stand. Samson’s knock was eventually ended by Rashid, but Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 38 took India across the line with 31 balls to spare.
With the series already decided, India could still explore a combination featuring both Samson and Sooryavanshi. One possible route would be resting Abhishek and allowing the teenage batter to open alongside Samson, although Iyer’s comments only indicate that changes are being considered rather than confirming the XI.
IYER REFLECTS ON CAPTAINCY START
Iyer also looked back on a difficult beginning to his tenure as India’s T20I captain. India suffered series defeats against Ireland and England before securing their first series win under him against Afghanistan.
“Yes, certainly. It was a tough pill to swallow at the start, but the journey is always going to be a rollercoaster,” Iyer said.
The skipper emphasised the importance of maintaining balance and refusing to dwell on previous setbacks.
“You have to be in equilibrium as much as possible and see to it that you enjoy the moment and not think much about what has happened in the past. I have said it in my previous interviews as well; the more you embrace the situation, the better it gets,” he added.
The second T20I also saw Nitish Kumar Reddy produce an impressive spell of 3/24 as India restricted Afghanistan to 159/8. With the series secured, the third T20I could now become an opportunity for Sooryavanshi and other players waiting for their chance to gain valuable international exposure.
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