New Delhi: As Team India prepares to switch formats for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, deliberations surrounding the squad’s opening combination have gathered momentum. Providing an intriguing tactical perspective, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and commentator Deep Dasgupta has advocated for a brand-new opening pair, suggesting that the team management should partner the returning Sanju Samson alongside rising sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Following the conclusion of their Test commitments in Sri Lanka, the Men in Blue are set to resume action in the shortest format. While prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has firmly established his credentials as a frontline opener, questions have surfaced regarding his opening partner, especially following experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s return to the national setup.
Samson had endured a difficult run of form following the T20 World Cup, registering modest returns during the tours of Ireland and England. His dip in consistency led to him being benched mid-series and subsequently left out of the squad for the tour of Zimbabwe. With the selectors reposing faith in the Kerala batter for the home fixtures against Afghanistan, debate has centred on whether Samson will slot straight back into the playing XI as an opener.
Weighing in on the debate via his YouTube channel, Dasgupta proposed testing an unexplored pairing. He noted that India currently has three viable opening options in Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Sooryavanshi. While the Indian team management has previously tested Abhishek with Samson, and later paired Abhishek with Sooryavanshi, Samson and Sooryavanshi have never opened the innings together. Dasgupta reasoned that the Afghanistan assignment serves as the ideal testing ground to give the duo an opportunity and evaluate their compatibility at the top.
Underlining the tactical merits of the combination, Dasgupta pointed out that pairing the left-handed Sooryavanshi with the right-handed Samson would pose significant challenges to opposition bowlers trying to settle into a rhythm. Additionally, both batters display natural aggression against both pace and spin. Crucially, neither relies solely on reckless hitting; both possess the match awareness to absorb initial pressure and accelerate according to game situations.
Testing this dynamic combination would provide the Indian think tank with greater tactical depth and flexibility as they fine-tune their strategies for upcoming major international tournaments.