In the aftermath of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from T20Is, the India cricket team has been building their side in the shortest format. Since their departure, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma seemed to have solidified their places as the openers in the new-age Team India under captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
From a time when past Indian openers struck around 130-140, Abhishek and Samson have taken a huge leap. Combined, the duo is scoring more runs in the powerplay than the Indian batters of the past did in ten overs. Both are in a different place in their careers. Abhishek is breaking through, playing a fearless brand of cricket, while Samson seems to have finally matured and now knows his game.
Abhishek Sharma & Sanju Samson’s T20I record for India in 2024
| Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Highest Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 11 | 256 | 23.27 | 171.81 | 1 | 1 | 100 |
| Sanju Samson | 12 | 436 | 43.60 | 180.16 | 3 | 1 | 111 |
Jaiswal in India’s Champions Trophy squad?
With the India vs England T20I series starting on February 22, there is no doubt that both should be not just be present in the squad but also open. But, there is an issue. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was ahead of them in the pecking order and like Samson was part of Team India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup could play against the Three Lions.
There are talks of Jaiswal being included in India’s squad for the India vs England ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy. However, there is an slight issue. The southpaw hasn’t played List A cricket in over two years. Jaiswal’s last 50-over game came in November, 2022. He hasn’t even played T20Is since July, 2024 either due to his hectic schedule.
Why Jaiswal might play in India vs England T20Is
To switch from Tests, which he has been playing since September, may not be the easiest. Therefore, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may decide to let Jaiswal play some white-ball cricket before he joins the squad for the India vs. England ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy.
He’s coming from a 2-month-long Australia tour and may need rest. But given his age, 23, he might be told to play as much as possible. Also, to play an ICC event, Jaiswal will himself vouch to play some cricket rather than rest. If not the whole 5-match T20I series, Jaiswal might be suggested to feature in the last couple of matches to ensure he’s in white-ball nick.
If he’s told to play, he’ll surely play over one of Samson or Abhishek. Given the form and given Samson’s a righty, Abhishek might be dropped for Jaiswal in the playing XI in the India vs England T20Is.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s List A record
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 1511 | 53.96 | 86.19 | 5 | 7 | 203 |
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