Pressure on Tilak too with Sooryavanshi waiting in the wings
Manchester: India’s second T20I against England at Old Trafford on Saturday could turn into a defining contest for Sanju Samson, whose place at the top of the order is increasingly coming under scrutiny with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting for an opportunity.
The opening match at Chester-le-Street was washed out after India posted a competitive 189 for seven, built around half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and skipper Shreyas Iyer. However, Samson’s scratchy one off seven balls did little to ease concerns over his recent inconsistency.
Samson’s biggest challenge has been converting occasional match-winning knocks into sustained returns. His vulnerability against seam movement has again come into focus after a string of low scores, and another failure could intensify calls for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi to be drafted into the playing XI.
India also need greater impact from Tilak Varma, whose cautious approach through the middle overs has affected the team’s momentum. Despite his unquestioned talent, the left-hander has struggled to accelerate against spin and slower bowling, managing only 12 sixes in as many T20Is this year.
MATCH STARTS@ 7 PM: The bowling attack is expected to remain unchanged, with the Old Trafford surface traditionally offering assistance to wrist spinners.
