Three months back, it was a golden time for Sanju Samson when he delivered three back-to-back iconic knocks for the team in the 2026 T20 World Cup and helped the team retain the title at home. He is going through a rough patch, and former cricketers have already started to question his place in the team. Questioning his place, S Badrinath has opined that Vaibhav Sooryanshi should replace the Kerala-born cricketer in the Indian team. 

Sanju Samson has been going through a rough patch. He had a poor outing in both matches during the Ireland series, scoring 5 and 0 across two innings. His poor form continued when he scored just one run against England in the series-opener T20I match. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been in sublime form this year, has been waiting for his chance. Sanju Samson’s worrying form might hand him his much-awaited debut cap, feels S Badrinath. 

Also Read: ‘Don’t hype Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that much’ - Former Indian World Cup Winning Captain Gives Blunt Take 

S Badrinath feels that India should make the most of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s red-hot form instead of going with Sanju Samson despite his run shortage. Samson had finished as the Player of the Tournament for scoring 321 runs in five innings at a stunning strike rate of close to 200. However, since then, he has managed only six runs in the last three T20Is. 

On his YouTube channel, Badrinath said: 

“Timing is very important for a player in form. He should be given a chance when he is in the form of his life. There is no use playing him when he's not in form. Confidence is everything in sports, and he is high on confidence right now. So, he must play. Also, let's not forget, Sanju Samson has been continuously failing since the T20 World Cup. He hasn't done anything great since the World Cup.” 

The former India batter said that there was a lack of batting intent from Samson against Ireland, which was clearly visible. He strongly believes that team management should utilize Vaibhav’s potential on the England tour. 

He further said: 

"There was a lack of intent with the bat in the two losses against Ireland. That makes it all the more a reason for Team India to play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.” 

India recently suffered a historic whitewash against Ireland in the T20I series. They are now playing a five-match T20I series against England away from home. The first match was abandoned due to rain; the second match will take place on July 4th in Manchester.