New Delhi:<\/b> Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes Sanju Samson\u2019s ability to produce decisive innings after a lean run could keep young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting for his opportunity in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nayar also explained why India\u2019s team combination, particularly the need for a left-right batting pair, could influence the selection call, while backing Finn Allen to potentially challenge Abhishek Sharma\u2019s record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Samson\u2019s inconsistent returns have often triggered debate over his place in India\u2019s T20I setup, with Sooryavanshi emerging as a possible alternative. However, Nayar believes the wicketkeeper-batter\u2019s capacity to turn the conversation around with one substantial innings makes his selection a more complicated decision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSanju plays with everyone\u2019s emotions because he won\u2019t score runs for two matches, and everyone starts raising questions, \u2018Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play, Sanju Samson isn\u2019t capitalising on his chances, how long will we wait?\u2019 And at that very moment, he will score an 80 in no time. Sanju is that kind of player who will repeatedly give you opportunities to raise questions about him and then will play a big knock, making the most of his chances. So, there will be moments when there will be talks about his place, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait,\u201d Nayar told JioStar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nayar said the decision would extend beyond individual performances, with team balance and the precedent set by the management also important considerations. He pointed to the potential consequences of frequent changes in selection, arguing that India must protect its team culture while ensuring younger players receive opportunities at the right time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOften, for a team\u2019s culture, if you are a coach or a captain, it is crucial to make the right decisions. If you make haphazard decisions, the impact on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi\u2019s career is one thing, but the impact on team culture will be far greater. So, according to me, the decision will be, \u2018Vaibhav, wait for your time; you will also get opportunities.\u2019 <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMaybe in a series where Sanju isn\u2019t there or is rested, he will play. But as long as there is a left-hander at number three and at the top, you will always think that a right-hander in between is necessary. So, it\u2019s not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; it\u2019s about having that left-right combination so that a bowler like Bracewell doesn\u2019t come and bowl out his overs in the powerplay,\u201d Nayar added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Nayar identified New Zealand opener Finn Allen as a potential threat in the upcoming series, citing the conditions that favour his aggressive style of batting. Allen\u2019s power-hitting could prove particularly effective on smaller grounds, where clearing the boundary can be easier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMaybe in a series where Sanju isn\u2019t there or is rested, he will play. But as long as there is a left-hander at number three and at the top, you will always think that a right-hander in between is necessary. So, it\u2019s not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; it\u2019s about having that left-right combination so that a bowler like Bracewell doesn\u2019t come and bowl out his overs in the powerplay,\u201d Nayar added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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