Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has urged the team management to continue backing Sanju Samson despite the wicketkeeper-batter’s lean run, insisting that teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can wait a little longer for his international debut. Ahead of the second T20I against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, Jaffer said India should show faith in the experienced opener rather than make a reactionary change after a handful of low scores.

Samson has endured a disappointing run in recent outings, scoring just six runs across his last three T20I innings. Those numbers have intensified calls for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion, especially after the 15-year-old’s extraordinary IPL 2026 campaign. However, Jaffer believes Samson has earned another opportunity, given his match-winning performances during India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer admitted that Sooryavanshi’s form has naturally created pressure on the established batters but maintained that dropping Samson immediately would be unfair.

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“I wouldn’t play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi just yet. I would give Sanju Samson one more chance. If Sanju doesn’t perform in this game, then I will think about making a change for the third T20I,” Wasim Jaffer said.

The former India batter pointed out that Samson’s Player of the Tournament-winning display at the 2026 T20 World Cup cannot be overlooked. The Kerala batter produced crucial knocks in the knockout stages, including the quarter-final, semi-final and final, proving his ability to deliver under pressure.

Jaffer acknowledged that Sooryavanshi’s sensational performances have changed the selection debate. The teenage left-hander’s fearless batting has made fans eager to see him in India colours, with every failure from the current top order increasing demands for his debut.

“In an ideal situation, you wouldn’t even think about changing the opening combination. But Vaibhav’s recent performances have created enormous pressure. Even one or two failures now lead people to ask for his inclusion. That’s how impressive he has been,” Wasim Jaffer explained.

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He added that the growing excitement around Sooryavanshi is bound to influence discussions within the Indian camp. While the captain, selectors and coaching staff are unlikely to make emotional decisions, Jaffer believes they will inevitably feel the pressure created by the youngster’s remarkable rise.

For now, though, Jaffer has thrown his support behind continuity. With the series still in its early stages, he believes India should persist with Samson for one more match before considering a change. If the experienced opener fails to capitalize on another opportunity, the calls for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s long-awaited international debut are only expected to grow louder.