Why Ishan Kishan is Wicketkeeping Instead of Sanju Samson During IRE vs IND 2nd T20I?

After a disappointing start to the series, India are eager to respond with a stronger performance against Ireland in the second T20I at Belfast. With the hosts carrying momentum after their historic victory in the opener, the Men in Blue have plenty to prove.

India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first and mentioned about two debuts. However, there was a major surprise when Ishan Kishan started as the team's wicketkeeper instead of Sanju Samson, despite both being named in the playing XI. With Sanju Samson not keeping, there was a buzz around the social media about his position.

Why Ishan Kishan is Keeping Instead of Sanju Samson?

There is no official reason behind India handing the wicketkeeping duties to Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson in the IRE vs IND 2nd T20I. The team management has not announced any injury or fitness concern regarding Samson, nor was any explanation provided at the toss by the skipper Shreyas Iyer.

The decision is likely to be based on continuity. Ishan Kishan has been India's preferred wicketkeeper in the ODI format in recent months despite KL Rahul being in the team as well. Samson, meanwhile, is currently part of the T20I squad only and has primarily been picked for his batting at the opening position, allowing the team to continue with Kishan behind the stumps.

Another reason could be that the team is rotating its players for the wicketkeeping position. Recently, during the ODI series against Afghanistan, Kishan kept wickets despite the regular keeper KL Rahul in the squad. With both Kishan and Samson in the squad, it gives both of them a chance to claim the wicketkeeper's slot.

Should Vaibhav Suryavanshi Have Replaced Sanju Samson?

Following India's batting collapse in the series opener, many fans and experts expected teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to replace Sanju Samson for the must-win clash. Samson, one of the best T20 batsmen, managed just 5 runs off 4 balls in the first T20I, adding to the scrutiny over his place at the top of the order.

However, the Indian team management chose to back Samson, keeping faith in the experienced opener despite calls for change. Instead, the selectors made changes elsewhere, handing debuts to Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shedge.

Fans now have to wait to see Suryavanshi making his international debut for the Indian cricket team. It would be interesting to see if the 15-year-old will get the opportunity in the upcoming India vs England T20I series or not.