The debate over India’s T20I batting combination has intensified after 15 years old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to travel with the national squad without making his international debut. However, former India cricketer Saba Karim believes it is far too early to compare the teenager with Sanju Samson or view him as the wicketkeeper-batter’s replacement.
India have included Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the squad for the two-match T20I series against Ireland and the rain-affected opening T20I against England. Despite the youngster’s presence, the team management has continued to back the World Cup-winning trio of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, treating the bilateral series with the same seriousness as a major tournament.
Among the three, Sanju Samson has endured the toughest run, failing to score in double figures in all three matches. However, his recent lean patch follows an impressive run in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, where his previous three international innings were match-winning half-centuries in the tournament’s biggest games.
Speaking on a sports channel, Saba Karim dismissed suggestions that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should replace Sanju Samson in the Indian team. He pointed to Sanju Samson’s strong record as a match-winner, his impressive IPL season and his outstanding performances in the T20 World Cup, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. Saba Karim suggested that judging Sanju Samson based only on a few low scores would be unfair given his recent contributions.
Saba Karim also echoed the team management’s view that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should remain patient. He said spending time with the Indian squad would help the teenager understand the standards required to earn a place in the playing XI. According to Saba Karim, the highly competitive environment will aid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s growth as both a cricketer and an individual, while allowing his immense talent to develop naturally.
India and England will face each other in the second T20I on Saturday, with the hosts aiming to bounce back after the rain-hit series opener.
