'He needs to earn the right' - Dinesh Karthik backs Sanju Samson amid growing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi calls

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has thrown his support behind Sanju Samson, urging the Indian team management to continue backing the experienced batter despite growing calls for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be included in the playing XI.

Samson has come under scrutiny after registering three low scores on the trot, prompting fans and experts to question his place in India's T20I side. The debate has intensified with Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise in recent months, as the 15-year-old continues to impress with his fearless batting following a sensational IPL 2026 campaign.

However, Karthik believes it would be premature to replace Samson, especially considering the wicketkeeper-batter's match-winning contributions during India's triumphant ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.

Speaking on Sanju’s poor form, the former India cricketer reminded everyone that Samson was named Player of the Tournament after playing a pivotal role in India's title-winning run and deserves the backing of the team during a lean patch.

"Sanju Samson has, once again, had a bit of a failure. Now three innings on the bounce means the calls are coming nice and loud for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but I would still say, Sanju Samson, player of the tournament in the World Cup, he is under pressure," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Karthik acknowledged the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi, whose performances have made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country. However, he stressed that the teenager should not be rushed into the national side and must earn his place through consistent performances.

"I know the whole cricketing world is going to be like, 'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, when is he going to get in?' That is understandable," he said.

The former wicketkeeper added that while Sooryavanshi possesses immense talent and is likely to enjoy a successful international career, India should continue showing faith in Samson, who has already proven himself on the biggest stage.

"But I still hope they back someone like Sanju Samson, because, under pressure, in the World Cup, a few months ago, he got the job done, so we have to back him. Vaibhav needs to earn the right to play in this XI even though he is extremely talented, and I have no doubt he is going to do very well in international cricket,” he concluded.

I think India should persist with Sanju Samson: Pujara

After a whitewash in the Ireland series, Team India is under immense pressure to bounce back against England in the five-match T20I series. The match was washed out due to rain, whereas the second match will be played at Old Trafford on July 04.