Sanju Samson Given Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Threat After Poor Outing In 1st T20I vs Ireland

Sanju Samson Given Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Threat [Source: AFP]

Sanju Samson’s place in India’s T20I setup has come under discussion after his disappointing performance in the first T20I against Ireland, where the team lost by 34 runs.

Chasing 183, Samson departed on just 5 off 4 balls as debutant Jai Moondra cleaned him up. That wicket triggered a middle-order collapse that eventually cost India the game.

Sanjay Manjrekar warns Sanju Samson ahead of the 2nd T20I

Meanwhile, ahead of the 2nd T20I, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar warned Sanju Samson that he cannot afford to relax because teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is waiting for his opportunity. 

He added that Samson and Abhishek Sharma cannot assume their places are guaranteed, as a young player performing strongly can quickly put pressure on established names.

"But Sanju Samson needs to be careful because Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is breathing down his and Abhishek Sharma's neck,” Manjrekar told Sony Sports.

Interestingly, Manjrekar also defended India’s decision not to rush Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He explained that the target was too high and Ireland’s bowling was disciplined. Hence, there was nothing Vaibhav could have done better to take India past the finish line.

"I think he would have done what Abhishek did, slightly better, maybe. A chase where you had to do everything in the first six overs. You had to carry that momentum for the rest of the overs as well. So he could have made things a little easier in the chase, but the target became just too big, and conditions weren't easy. And you saw in the tri-series in Dambulla as well how the sixes weren't coming as often to him," he added.

Also Read - 3 Players Who Can Be Axed For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Debut In IND vs IRE 2nd T20I

Why didn’t Vaibhav Sooryavanshi make his India debut?

Interestingly, when Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received his maiden national call-up for the Ireland series, many expected him to debut in the first T20I. However, in an anticlimax, India left him out of the playing XI.

At the toss, captain Shreyas Iyer said that while they respect Vaibhav’s talent, it’s too early to hand him the debut cap. However, Iyer assured fans that the 15-year-old will get his due in the near future. 

Now, the second T20I between India and Ireland is scheduled on June 28 at Belfast. Since it’s a do-or-die game for India to save the series, it is unlikely that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get a game.

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma will most likely be backed to continue opening, owing to their experience and past synergy.

India in a tough spot ahead of the 2nd T20I

Having said that, after a 34-run loss in the first T20I, India will face extreme pressure in the second T20I to save the series. After giving away their first international victory to Ireland, they surely would want to avoid a series defeat.

India lacked partnerships in the first game due to poor shot selection and failure to adapt to Belfast conditions. However, captain Shreyas Iyer also admitted that India allowed Ireland to score too freely and said the team needs to improve execution with the ball as well.

Hence, changes could be on the cards, especially after India’s batting struggles. Whether or not Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets his due is a storyline that will continue to create hype in the next 24 hours.

Also Read - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi To Come In For? India's Predicted Playing XI For 2nd T20I Vs Ireland 2026