'I wouldn't play him' - Wasim Jaffer's massive statement on India's opening pair amid ENG vs IND 2026 T20Is

Wasim Jaffer opined that the Indian team management should continue with Sanju Samson at the top of the order in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, July 4.

Samson has managed to score just six runs in his last three innings, having faced 12 balls. Many fans have vociferously demanded that the in-form Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replace him in the playing XI and open alongside Abhishek Sharma. However, Jaffer urged them to be patient and give Samson one more opportunity to find form.

“I wouldn't play him (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi). I would give Sanju one more chance. If Sanju Samson doesn't do well in this game, then I will think about the third T20I," Jaffer said while speaking in a video on his YouTube channel.

Jaffer noted that Sooryavanshi's stellar performance has put a great deal of pressure on the Indian batters, and people want someone to be dropped so that the 15-year-old can make his debut. The former India opener has highlighted Samson's exemplary performance during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, where he won the Player of the Tournament award and helped the Men in Blue lift the title.

“In an ideal world, I think it would be a little difficult. But Vaibhav Suryavanshi's performances in recent times have put so much pressure on the Indian batters that you want someone to be left out so that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can be included. But in an ideal world, it is very difficult because of the kind of performances Sanju Samson has delivered in the World Cup. Don't forget that he scored three consecutive big scores in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final. Yes, he was the Man of the Tournament," the 48-year-old said.

"Selectors, and coach will definitely feel the pressure that he should be played" - Wasim Jaffer on India's opening conundrum

Jaffer said that Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson's opening combination shouldn't be tinkered with. However, he admitted that Sooryavanshi's incredible returns of late have put tremendous pressure on the selectors, coach, and captain to find a place for him in the playing XI.

“So, if you look at it in an ideal world, you wouldn't even think about this. But because of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's recent performances, it feels like even if someone has just one or two dismissals or one or two failures, people want that player to be dropped and Vaibhav to be brought in. So, Vaibhav is actually creating this pressure because of his performances in the IPL and the way he has played recently. So, I think somewhere the captain, selectors, and coach will definitely feel the pressure that he should be played," Jaffer said.