Shreyas Iyer hints at Vaibhav Sooryavanshi return vs Afghanistan in 3rd T20I despite Sanju Samson blitz

After Sanju Samson performed well in the first two T20Is vs Afghanistan, Shreyas Iyer has hinted that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could come back in the final game

India comprehensively defeated Afghanistan in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 15 (Tuesday) by 7 wickets. This ensured that India won the series after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. One of the stars of the show in this game was Sanju Samson, who smashed a half-century, scoring 57 runs from 22 balls. In fact, Samson has played both games ahead of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. With the series having already been pocketed, India captain Shreyas Iyer dropped a major hint as to whether the 15-year-old will get his chance in the final T20I of the three-match series on September 17 (Thursday).

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might play the 3rd T20I vs Afghanistan as Shreyas Iyer has dropped a big hint. (Hindustan Times)

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Shreyas Iyer dropped a major hint, saying that they could give chances to players in the final T20I, which is a dead rubber. This means that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can get a go in the third T20I.

“Definitely, we want all of them to get used to the wicket and get some practice, so it will be a good opportunity to give a chance to the guys sitting out," the Indian captain said.

Speaking on the match, Shreyas Iyer seemed satisfied, as he said that the team produced a comprehensive performance as the management had demanded.

"Looking at the last match and coming into this one, we were demanding a comprehensive win and today was a good one," Iyer added.

India won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second T20I. India got off to a fantastic start with Rahmanullah Gurbaz departing in the second over without a run on the board. Afghanistan never got going after this early shock, even if they stitched some good but short partnerships.

The Afghans could ultimately score 159/8 in 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 37, with some quick cameos from Darwish Rasooli (26), Mohammad Nabi (20), and Rashid Khan (28).

Nitish Kumar Reddy stole the show with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/24 from his 3 overs. Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi claimed a wicket apiece.

India went on all guns blazing in the run chase, with the opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson putting on a stand of 88 runs in just 6.2 overs. The Men in Blue chased down the target in just 14.5 overs and 7 wickets to spare.

Sanju Samson top-scored with 57. Abhishek Sharma (39 from 19 balls) and Ishan Kishan (38 from 23 balls) played significant innings with the bat.