Sanju Samson selection sparks debate after India T20I win

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has criticized the national team's selection strategy following Sanju Samson's recall for the first T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi. Samson, who had been dropped from the squad for the recent tour of Zimbabwe and during the series against England, scored only 10 runs off eight balls in India's seven-wicket victory.

Kaif questioned why Samson was selected despite a lack of recent match rhythm, noting that the player had not played significant cricket since being dropped. He specifically highlighted the exclusion of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who earned player of the series honors in Zimbabwe and performed well in the Duleep Trophy 2026. Kaif suggested the management appears hesitant and uncertain regarding the team's optimal opening combination.