IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: Sanju Samson’s place in danger after a string of flops, Vaibhav Suryavanshi could get a chance in the second T20I

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Ahead of the second T20I against Afghanistan, the Indian team’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson’s place in the team has become increasingly uncertain. Samson, who was dismissed for just 10 runs in the first match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, has been inactive for the past several matches. The team management is now considering including young opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi in his place in the playing eleven.

IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: Sanju Samson’s place in danger after a string of flops, Vaibhav Suryavanshi could get a chance in the second T20I

Sanju Samson’s declining graph and Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s claim

Sanju Samson’s bat has been consistently silent in the Indian jersey since IPL 2026. Samson has crossed double figures only twice in his last five matches and hasn’t scored a single half-century. He was dismissed for 5 and 0 on the Ireland tour, while he scored only 1 and 27 in the two matches of the England tour.

On the other hand, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was named Player of the Series in the Zimbabwe series, is waiting for his turn. Suryavanshi, who scored two explosive half-centuries against Zimbabwe, had to sit out the first match of the Afghanistan series. Just before the 2026 Asian Games, the Indian team doesn’t seem to be in the mood to give out-of-form players a long break, as all matches in the Asian Games will be played on a knockout basis.

Voices from the Ground / Official Statements

“The upcoming knockout matches are crucial for Team India. When a player consistently fails to capitalize on opportunities, it becomes a priority for the team management to give opportunities to in-form young players sitting on the bench.”
— Former Indian cricketer and sports analyst

Varun Chakravarthy out of the series, Ravi Bishnoi to return

Another major change in the team combination is expected to be in the spin department. Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been ruled out of the entire series due to injury. Chakravarthy, who was injured during the England tour in July, returned to action but resurfaced after playing just one match. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is almost certain to be included in the playing XI in his place.

India’s probable playing 11 for the second T20I:

  • Sanju Samson / Vaibhav Suryavanshi
  • Abhishek Sharma
  • Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper)
  • Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
  • Tilak Varma
  • Nitish Kumar Reddy
  • Shivam Dubey
  • Axar Patel
  • Arshdeep Singh
  • Jasprit Bumrah
  • Ravi Vishnoi

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