ENG vs IND 2026: ‘Vice-captain will have to be dropped’ - Ex-Indian opener backs Sanju Samson for final T20I

Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel has suggested two changes to India's playing XI for the inconsequential final match of the series. He believes Sanju Samson should return to the side, even if it means Tilak Varma has to make way.

India suffered a nine-wicket defeat in Bristol on July 9, with the fifth and final match scheduled to be played in Southampton on July 11. Patel also recommended bringing in Suryansh Shedge in place of Washington Sundar to freshen up the playing XI.

"It's difficult. You would obviously ask that if Sanju Samson has to come into the team, in whose place should he come? I would actually make two changes. One is that I would give Suryansh Shedge a spot in the team in place of Washington Sundar so that you have four bowlers, and Shivam Dube and Shedge can bowl two overs apiece for you," said Parthiv on JioHotstar.

"In whose place will Sanju Samson come? Unfortunately, I feel the vice-captain will have to be dropped because, if you want the combination, Sanju Samson can come in place of Tilak Varma," he added.

Sanju Samson childhood coach slams selectors over his snub

Former India selector Saba Karim questioned the need to appoint a vice-captain in the shortest format of the game. Referring to Axar Patel being dropped during the 2026 T20 World Cup despite serving as vice-captain, Parthiv asserted that Tilak potentially missing out on the playing XI for the final T20I would not mean he has fallen out of India's long-term plans.

"Why is the vice-captain appointed, by the way? A vice-captain is not required in T20s. T20 is a format where your vision changes very quickly. You have to make a lot of changes in your preparation so that you remain in sync with the modern T20 game. So a vice-captain is not required there because a vice-captain has a very limited job," Karim said.

"India thinks like that. Axar Patel was the vice-captain in the World Cup, and he also sat outside in the South Africa match. If the combination isn't getting set, so be it. That doesn't mean Tilak Varma will be out of your thinking or plans, but short-term, for this match, I would like to bring in Sanju Samson for Tilak Varma," said Parthiv.