Former India wicketkeeper batsman Saba Karim believes that the Men in Blue should not replace Sanju Samson for the second T20I against England. Karim said Samson has performed well in recent months and added that the wicketkeeper-batsman is facing unnecessary criticism over his place in the playing eleven.
After this the debate on India’s opening combination increased. Samson scored only one run on seven balls The first T20I against England in Durham was abandoned before being affected by rain. With teenage batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi awaiting his debut, many fans are demanding a change in the lineup before the second match.
Why is everyone pointing guns at me? – Saba Karim supported Sanju Samson
Saba Karim believes India should stick with Sanju Samson despite recent struggles. During a discussion on Star Sports, the former India wicketkeeper said that Samson has performed consistently in big tournaments and he should not lose his place after one poor performance.
“I don’t think so at this stage. Sanju Samson is a brilliant player. He has been a match-winner. He had a very good IPL season. Before that, he was the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup. What are we seeing? Sanju Samson must be thinking, ‘Why is everyone gunning for me?'”
Vaibhav Suryavanshi was given his first India call-up after a sensational IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. The 15-year-old scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30 and won the Player of the Tournament award.
He has to earn his call-up – Saba Karim on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Karim said that waiting for the opportunity will help Vaibhav Suryavanshi develop as a cricketer. He said that training with senior players and spending time in the Indian dressing room will prepare the young players for international cricket.
“Even for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, it’s a good learning opportunity. He also understands that to get into this Indian Team XI, you have to earn your call-up. This environment will help him develop as a player and a human being. Even though he has such incredible talent, when you come into such a competitive environment, you need to take your time.”
Despite growing calls for the inclusion of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, India have continued with the opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Samson’s recent low scores have kept the selection debate alive ahead of the second T20 match.
He will have to wait for his chance- Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara agreed with Saba Karim’s view and said that being a part of India’s 15-member squad is already a big achievement for Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He believes the teenager will benefit from spending time with the national team before making his debut.
“It’s a huge opportunity for him. He may not have got a chance in the playing XI, but he is part of the Indian team. If you are in the 15-man squad, it’s a big thing and it’s a dream come true moment for him. When he gets a chance in the playing XI, it will be an even bigger moment.”
Pujara said that training with experienced players and coaches in England will help Suryavanshi prepare for international cricket.
“However, as Saba Bhai was saying, he will have to wait for his opportunity. It is a big, big positive for Vaibhav Suryavanshi that he is part of the team. He gets a chance to train with the players. He gets a chance to be in a team environment where he has coaches around him and senior players that he can learn from. He is an extraordinary talent, but he will have to wait a little bit for that opportunity.”
