IND vs ENG: Parthiv Patel Backs Sanju Samson’s Return in India’s Predicted Playing XI

New Delhi: With India trailing 2-0 in the five-match T20I series against England, former India cricketer and commentator Parthiv Patel has suggested significant changes to the team’s playing XI ahead of the next match. Patel believes Sanju Samson should return to the side, while Shivam Dube should make way in a bid to strengthen India’s batting lineup.

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India have struggled to find the right combination throughout the series. The opening match was washed out due to rain, while England dominated the second and third T20Is, leaving the visitors under immense pressure to stage a comeback.

India’s Batting Collapse Raises Questions

India suffered a humiliating 125-run defeat in the third T20I after being bowled out for just 76 runs while chasing 202, exposing major concerns in the batting order.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi replaced Sanju Samson in the second and third matches but failed to make a significant impact, prompting renewed debate over India’s team selection.

Parthiv Patel Wants Samson Back

Speaking about his preferred combination, Parthiv Patel said Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer should all feature in the batting lineup.

“I would like to see Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer in the middle order. Their batting positions can change according to the match situation, but I believe this combination offers better balance.”

Patel also highlighted the problem of having too many left-handed batters in the lineup.

“When six out of seven batters are left-handed, it becomes easier for opposition bowlers to settle into a rhythm. India need to pay serious attention to achieving better left-right balance.”

Shivam Dube Likely to Miss Out

According to Patel, Shivam Dube should be dropped to accommodate Samson.

He suggested that Tilak Varma should continue at No. 6 because he serves as the team’s vice-captain, while Axar Patel should bat at No. 7.

Patel added that India should back its seven best batters and rely on five specialist bowlers to complete the full quota of 20 overs.

Pressure Mounts on Team India

With the series slipping away, India face a must-win situation in the upcoming T20I. Team management will now have to decide whether changes in the batting order can revive the team’s campaign and keep the series alive.

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