Sooryavanshi had impressed during India’s 3-0 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe, where he was named Player of the Series. However, with Sanju Samson returning to the squad, the youngster was left on the bench.
Kaif questioned the reasoning behind Samson’s recall, particularly after Sooryavanshi had delivered a strong performance in Zimbabwe.
“What did Sanju do in between to get a chance today? Usually, when you are dropped, you play here and there and regain some form; nothing like that has happened. Why did he get a chance? Why didn’t you go with the same combination after Vaibhav scored runs in Zimbabwe?” Kaif said on Cricbuzz.
The former India cricketer also suggested that the team management remains uncertain about its preferred opening combination, with Samson, Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma competing for two spots.
“In my opinion, they are hesitating a bit; they are unsure of what their best opening combination is. Vaibhav must be saying, what did I do wrong? So this is a state of confusion going on,” Kaif added.
India eventually made a winning start to the three-match series, defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets in New Delhi. Afghanistan posted 156/8, with Azmatullah Omarzai scoring an unbeaten 64, before Arshdeep Singh returned figures of 3/19.
In reply, Abhishek Sharma produced a sensational 82 off just 32 balls, including a 22-ball fifty, as India chased down the target in 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead.
