Abhishek Sharma credits Sanju Samson for giving up opening slot to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Abhishek Sharma praised Sanju Samson for stepping aside to allow 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to open during India's six-wicket win over New Zealand.
Abhishek Sharma said Sanju Samson showed character by giving up his opening batting slot to 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the third T20I against New Zealand. India won the match by six wickets at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Abhishek Sharma scored 113 runs off 38 balls with 11 sixes while Sooryavanshi made 45 runs off 19 balls.
The pair added 133 runs in seven overs after Sooryavanshi hit a lofted boundary off the first ball he faced. Sooryavanshi had batted at number three in the second T20I and scored four runs off eight balls. Ishan Kishan sustained a groin injury before the third match.
Abhishek Sharma said the team is selfless and happy for each other. Sooryavanshi said without live broadcast people might not believe the century. The 15-year-old wanted to give a quick start in the third match after his previous modest performance.
CricHubb Take
Samson's willingness to bat lower down the order for a 15-year-old signals a shift in Indian cricket culture where established players accommodate emerging talent rather than protecting their positions.