Sanju Samson was axed from the playing XI on Saturday for the second IND vs ENG T20I game. 31-year-old batter had managed just to score jus a single in the opening encounter that was played in Durham. The batter had scored a total of six runs from three matches, which eventually saw him lose his place in the side.

That gave young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a chance to make his debut, making him the youngest Indian to play international cricket at the age of 15. Former India star Ambati Rayudu took to his X handle and posted a tweet in support of the Chennai Super Kings star.

Former CSK star Rayudu’s tweet went on to read, “Let’s spare a thought for Sanju Samson.

Very happy to see Vaibhav make his debut, and it deserves a celebration, but let’s not forget that Sanju was the man of the tournament in the T20 World Cup just three T20 games ago. I just hope he comes back strong and also wish Vaibhav a very long and record-shattering career.”

Let’s spare a thought for Sanju Samson. Very happy to see Vaibhav make his debut, and it deserves a celebration, but let’s not forget that Sanju was the man of the tournament in the T20 World Cup just 3 T20 games ago.

I just hope he comes back strong and also wish Vaibhav a very…

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) July 5, 2026

Kerala-born batter was named player of the World Cup earlier this year for his 321 runs with the bat. The batter scored 97 not out against the West Indies in Kolkata, followed by twin knocks of 89 in the semi-finals and the finals.

Sanjay Manjrekar questions selection call

Another former India player who wasn’t happy with the Samson-Sooryavanshi swap was none other than Sanjay Manjrekar. The 61-year-old took to his X handle and wrote, “Great to see Vaibhav in India colours. But what about Samson! Dropped??? Are you kidding me?

Manjrekar went on to add, “No, I guess, injured.

Let’s hope it’s an injury. Or it’s the most bizarre selection. Could have easily batted at three if you wanted Vaibhav to get in.” Visuals showed that the batter was in a long conversation with coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the game. They were involved in a long chat as Gambhir was seen giving a pep talk to the out-of-form batter.