India batters Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi shared a heartwarming moment on the sidelines of the web session ahead of the second T20I against England. In a warm, elder-brother-like gesture, the wicketkeeper-batter placed his arm across the teen’s shoulders while chatting with him.
The duo were previously teammates at Rajasthan Royals within the Indian Premier League and played several matches together. Interestingly, it was Samson’s injury that accelerated Suryavanshi’s entry into the playing XI. The teenage batter later played under Samson’s captaincy before moving to Chennai Super Kings in a high-profile trade.
Samson, who continues to be thought to be India’s first-choice opener, an element that has kept Suryavanshi out of the XI since his call-up, was seen interacting with the teen throughout the rehearsal. The healthful moment quickly caught attention. Watch the video here:
The best way Sanju Samson put his hand on Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s shoulder, hugged him, and boosted his confidence during today’s practice.🥹🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/zgxfRMhFc5
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) July 3, 2026
The five-match series between India and England stays tied at 0-0 after the opening match on the Riverside Ground was called off as a consequence of rain shortly after the primary innings.
“Can’t just play him” — India coach on Vaibhav Suryavanshi debut
Morne Morkel hinted that Vaibhav Suryavanshi can have to attend longer for his international debut, because the team management feels answerable for backing the players who recently helped India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“It’s not as straightforward as saying, ‘Let’s play him.’ It’s a matter of backing the blokes who’ve won World Cups and done very well in tough situations, then constructing from there and seeing how we are able to make our top order as strong as possible in these conditions,” Morkel said on the pre-match press conference (via Indian Express).
There was growing demand from fans and experts for Suryavanshi’s inclusion, particularly with Sanju Samson struggling for runs. The appropriate-handed opener has managed just six runs across his last three innings.
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