Sanju Samson has spoken about the competition for India's T20I opening positions after producing a quick 57 run innings against Afghanistan in the second match of the three game series in Delhi.
Samson opened the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 15 and scored 57 from 22 deliveries. His innings included seven fours and four sixes and helped India make a rapid start while chasing Afghanistan's total of 159 for eight. India completed the chase in 14.5 overs and won by seven wickets, securing the T20I series with one match remaining.
The performance came after Samson scored only 10 runs in the opening match of the series. His second match innings therefore attracted considerable attention, particularly because discussions had emerged around the possibility of 15 year old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being considered for an opening position.
Sooryavanshi has been part of India's recent T20I setup and has emerged as a young batting option. The competition for places has also involved Abhishek Sharma, who has been opening for India and made 39 from 19 balls in the second T20I against Afghanistan.
Speaking after India's victory, Samson addressed the discussion surrounding the three players. He indicated that the rivalry is largely created from outside the team and emphasized that the players themselves are working toward the same objective of representing India.
Samson's comments highlighted the importance of maintaining a team first approach when selection decisions are made. He said that players cannot allow disappointment over selection or opportunities to become a source of negativity within the squad.
The wicketkeeper batter also acknowledged that external criticism and public discussion can affect international cricketers. He explained that players are not machines or robots and can be influenced by the opinions and expectations surrounding them. Samson said he has developed ways to deal with such external noise, including stepping away from social media and other sources of commentary when necessary.
The comments came after a match in which Samson responded strongly with the bat. His 57 from 22 balls was one of the key contributions in India's seven wicket victory. He and Abhishek Sharma added 88 runs for the opening wicket, providing the platform for India's successful chase.
Afghanistan had posted 159 for eight after being sent in to bat. Nitish Kumar Reddy was India's leading wicket taker with three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh claimed two. India then reached 163 for three in 14.5 overs.
The victory gave India an unassailable 2 0 lead in the three match series. The result also marked India's first T20I series victory on home soil under captain Shreyas Iyer, according to match reports.
For Samson, the innings was also a response to the pressure surrounding his place in the playing XI. He had been under discussion after his low score in the first match, while questions were being raised about whether Sooryavanshi could receive an opportunity.
However, Samson's comments did not frame the situation as a personal contest with Sooryavanshi. Instead, he emphasized that competition for places is part of professional cricket and that players must support the team's broader objectives.
Sooryavanshi's presence has added another dimension to India's options at the top of the order. The teenager has attracted attention after making his international debut earlier in 2026. His inclusion in the wider T20I setup provides the team management with another option as India manages its batting combinations.
The final decision over India's opening combination remains with the team management. Samson's latest performance provides one piece of evidence for his case, while Abhishek Sharma's performances and Sooryavanshi's development will also remain relevant to future selection decisions.
The discussion also illustrates the pressure faced by established international players when competition for positions increases. Samson's comments suggest that he is attempting to focus on his own performances rather than allowing speculation about selection to affect his approach.
His 57 against Afghanistan was particularly significant because it came in a series where India had already been experimenting with its batting combinations. Samson took advantage of the opportunity and helped India secure the series before the final match.
The third and final T20I between India and Afghanistan is scheduled for September 17. The match will provide another opportunity for the Indian team management to assess its available players and combinations.
For now, Samson's position is clear. He has acknowledged that competition and outside discussion can affect players, but he has emphasized the importance of remaining focused on the team's objectives. His latest innings has also ensured that the debate around India's opening combination will continue to attract attention ahead of the next match.