Sanju Samson on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 'We can't sulk' over India selection

Sanju Samson says competing with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi demands a team-first mindset, while admitting criticism affects him and explaining why he tries to switch off the Wi-Fi

Sanju Samson has backed India’s difficult selection calls amid competition from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for an opening spot, saying players must support whoever makes the side and remain ready for their own opportunity. Being left out, he said, cannot become a reason to sulk or question a teammate’s inclusion.

Speaking after his 22-ball 57 helped India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, Samson addressed the challenge of accommodating himself, Abhishek Sharma and the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi in the opening combination.

Samson and Abhishek have opened in both matches of the series, which India lead 2-0, leaving Sooryavanshi waiting despite his successful tour of Zimbabwe.

“I think they are competitors for the outside world, but we are a team and we are playing for a country. We want to win the game first, and then it comes down to the other individuals,” Samson said.

“We try to be as positive as possible, and whoever is playing, we want them to do well. We just have to be ready for our own opportunity. We can’t sulk or be in a negative frame of mind, thinking, ‘Yaar, mujhe nahi mila, usko kyun diya.’ Those kinds of mindsets don’t work here.”