Sanju Samson OUT Vaibhav Sooryavanshi IN: Fans want inconsistent CSK star to make way for wonderkid originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Fans are demanding that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replace the out-of-form Sanju Samson in India‘s playing XI.
- Sanju Samson fell cheaply again as India slipped to six for two against England.
- Sooryavanshi was benched for the third straight match despite growing calls for his debut.
Sanju Samson out, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in: Fans want inconsistent CSK star to make for wonderkid
For weeks, the debate over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India debut has simmered around one central question. If the teenage sensation is finally to break into the side, whose place must he take? The opening T20I against England appears to have handed fans their answer.
The spotlight has fallen squarely on Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter, now a CSK player, endured another forgettable outing at Durham, falling cheaply as India slipped to six for two inside the first two overs of their innings against the hosts.
With Samson misfiring yet again and Sooryavanshi left watching helplessly from the sidelines, supporters reached their boiling point. Indian cricket’s passionate fanbase flooded social media, demanding the struggling star make way for the prodigy who continues to wait patiently for his chance.
Fans demand Sooryavanshi replaces Samson
Many pointed directly to the management’s stubbornness and Samson’s struggles. “As expected, Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer have kept Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI,” one fan wrote, noting that “Sanju Samson was finding it difficult to middle the ball.” For them the decision to keep the 15-year-old had more to do with Gambhir’s belief that veterans should always get the first chance.
As expected, Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer have kept Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI. Sanju Samson was finding it difficult to middle the ball. He goes from 1 run of 7 balls. #IndvsEngpic.twitter.com/zdyuZQsZqT
— Pramod Kumar Singh (@SinghPramod2784) July 1, 2026
But so far this philosophy hasn’t worked in the head coach’s favour. India is already coming off a 2-0 loss to a side like Ireland, and patience is running low for the fans.
One supporter argued the situation was becoming absurd. “With Sanju Samson bagging a string of low scores, it will be farcical if Vaibhav Sooryavanshi does not walk out with Abhishek Sharma to open on Saturday,” they wrote, adding, “You can’t sit him out for long.”
With Sanju Samson bagging a string of low scores, it will be farcical if Vaibhav Sooryavanshi does not walk out with Abhishek Sharma to open on Saturday.
You can’t sit him out for long.#ENGvIND
— Saptak Sanyal (@SanyalwithStats) July 1, 2026
A third fan insisted the time for excuses was over. “It’s time to hand Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his debut. It shouldn’t matter whether Tilak Varma has to sit out or Sanju Samson moves to No. 3,” they wrote, concluding that “Vaibhav has earned his chance.”
It’s time to hand Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his debut. It shouldn’t matter whether Tilak Varma has to sit out or Sanju Samson moves to No. 3. The team needs to make room for talent, and Vaibhav has earned his chance. He deserves an opportunity now.♥️ pic.twitter.com/uUNcclaxyU
— Mahi Patel (@Mahi_Patel_07) July 1, 2026
The frustration was sharpened by how India’s innings unfolded. After Samson and Ishan Kishan both fell inside the first two overs, it took a rollicking fifty from Abhishek Sharma and a captain’s knock of 68 from Iyer to rescue India and post a competitive 189 for seven.
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The case for change is growing louder
The fans are increasingly difficult to argue with. Samson’s returns have dried up alarmingly in recent outings, and persisting with an out-of-form batter while one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket carries the drinks is a stance growing harder to justify by the day.
There is nuance, of course, as Samson remains a proven match-winner deserving of at least some patience. Yet cricket is ultimately a results business, and if the runs keep failing to flow, the management may soon find the clamour for Sooryavanshi simply impossible to ignore any longer.
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