Delhi: The T20 International series between India and Afghanistan is going to start in Delhi from 13th September. The biggest question before the first match is regarding the opening pair of Team India. Captain Shreyas Iyer has also not given a direct answer to this question.
India has three strong options for opening in the form of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi. In such a situation, everyone's eyes are on which two of these three players will get a place in the playing-11.
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Three openers, two places and increased suspense
Abhishek Sharma has been a part of the T20 World Cup winning team and has been opening continuously. Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have also been tried in the top order.
Due to poor form in the T20 series against England, Sanju was dropped from the next three matches after the opening match. However, after Vaibhav did not play big innings in three consecutive matches, Sanju returned to the team and he opened the innings with Abhishek in the last match of the series.
After this, Sanju did not get a place in the squad in the last T20 series against Zimbabwe. India sent Abhishek and Vaibhav to open in all three matches.
What did Shreyas Iyer say?
Before the first T20 against Afghanistan, when captain Shreyas Iyer was asked about choosing two of the three openers, he called it a good problem for the team.
Iyer said that having all three players in the team is a wonderful thing in itself. He admitted that taking the final decision would not be easy, because all three are performing well in their respective roles.
He said that whoever gets the opportunity will be beneficial for the team. Iyer also told that he and the coach will continuously talk to the player who will be out of the playing-11 and will try to maintain his confidence.
Abhishek is also struggling with bad form
Abhishek Sharma's name is considered to be the strongest in this opening race, but his recent form is a matter of concern.
In the last 6 T20 International innings played since the England series, Abhishek's average has been only 6.66. In such a situation, there will be pressure on him to perform well in the first match against Afghanistan.
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Now it will be interesting to see whom Shreyas Iyer makes as Abhishek's opening partner in Delhi. Sanju's experience outweighs or the team management trusts young Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the answer to this will be known as soon as the match starts.