Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Finds Support From Pakistan After Being Ignored For Afghanistan Opener

A Resting Bench, a Quiet Question: Sooryavanshi, Samson & the Rhythm of Selection

Sunday's first T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi offered a small lesson in the art of the alap — the slow, deliberate opening of a raga. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 'Player of the Tournament' in India's last T20I series vs Zimbabwe, warmed the bench once again, with veteran Sanju Samson given the nod. Samson, under pressure after failing to score big, now faces Sooryavanshi breathing down his neck for the backup slot.

And interestingly, it is not just Indian fans asking the question. Former Pakistan star Kamran Akmal has thrown his weight behind Sooryavanshi, telling HT that India should treat the Afghanistan bilateral as a stage to groom their backup players.

"One hundred percent. Sooryavanshi does not sit out against this team. If you play them against England, you are dropping them against Afghanistan," Akmal said, adding that even Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit Sharma never played such bilateral series — teams would rest three or four core players. He also threw down a curious challenge: "I don't understand why Bumrah is playing, why Arshdeep Singh is not playing."

A Rhythm Disrupted: Chakaravarthy Ruled Out

Just as the selection debate unfolds, spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the Afghanistan series with a side strain — a fresh injury, per MRI, and a serious doubt for the Asian Games (Sept 19). This is his second blow in quick succession, having recently recovered from a hamstring injury on the England tour in July. He took a wicket in the series opener (4 overs, just 16 run conceded) before the setback.

A BCCI source confirmed the spinner is out of the series and "unlikely" for the Games, adding to growing concern over injury management at the Centre of Excellence, where players have been getting hurt with unsettling frequency.

India next take on Japan in a historic T20 on Sept 22 before their Asian Games campaign begins in Nisshin on Sept 28. The second Afghanistan T20I is Tuesday, in New Delhi.

Source: NDTV Sports