Kris Srikkanth Criticises India’s Selection Strategy, Says Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Confidence Has Suffered
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has criticised the Indian team management for its constant changes to the playing XI, arguing that the selection strategy could negatively affect the confidence of Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. With India facing the West Indies in the ongoing T20I series, Srikkanth questioned the decisions made by head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management regarding their opening combination.

Since Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerged as a promising international prospect, uncertainty has surrounded Sanju Samson’s place in India’s T20I playing XI. However, the team management has backed Samson during the ongoing series against the West Indies, leaving the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi on the sidelines. Sooryavanshi made his T20I debut during India’s tour of England after being selected as Samson’s replacement.

Sanju Samson had been dropped following three disappointing outings, including two matches against Ireland and one against England. Although Sooryavanshi struggled to make a significant impact against England, he showcased his attacking abilities during India’s brief T20I series against Zimbabwe. The young opener scored 50, 20 and 81 in three matches, establishing himself as an exciting option at the top of the order. With Samson rested for that series, Sooryavanshi opened alongside Abhishek Sharma.

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Samson returned to the squad for India’s subsequent T20I assignments, adding to the competition for opening positions. Abhishek Sharma, Samson, Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan are all capable of batting at the top, leaving the selectors with several options but limited places in the playing XI.

Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi’s form dipped amid the uncertainty surrounding his role. The Rajasthan Royals youngster struggled to produce his best performances at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where India eventually won the gold medal. Following the tournament, Sooryavanshi joined the Indian squad for the T20I series against the West Indies. However, India preferred Abhishek and Samson as openers in the first three matches, keeping the teenage batter on the bench.

Samson scored 11, 82 and 3 in those three outings. Reacting to India’s selection decisions, Srikkanth suggested that the team management should consider pairing Samson with Sooryavanshi, particularly because Abhishek has featured regularly.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth said: “They have not only spoiled his (Sanju Samson’s) confidencece, India have totally spoiled Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s confidence. He could have been given three matches against a team like the West Indies. Now that they’ve seen Abhishek for so long, he can be rested, and Sooryavanshi and Samson can open in the next match.”

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Kris Srikkanth also questioned Samson’s consistency, pointing out that the wicketkeeper-batter has experienced significant fluctuations in form despite producing outstanding performances on important occasions. “Samson has always been up and down. His consistency has always been questionable. He’ll suddenly do wonders like the World Cup and then suddenly fail a lot. Someone like Abhishek Sharma never has such extremes. Now, again, Samson will score in the next match,” Srikkanth said.

With several players competing for limited opening spots, India’s selection decisions remain under scrutiny as the team looks to settle on a consistent combination for its T20I campaign.