Ashwin reaffirms preference for Samson after T20I criticism

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin publicly reaffirmed his preference for Sanju Samson after a social media user criticized the batter’s returns in New Zealand’s five-match T20I series against India. Samson scored 107 runs across five innings, while Ashwin responded that Samson was his first choice and the critic was focused on him. The exchange followed Samson’s dismissal for four in the final match. A user on X questioned Ashwin’s support, pointing to Samson’s series total. Ashwin replied in a Hindi remark translated as: “Sanju is my first choice, you are your full-time obsession.” The response expressed Ashwin’s personal view; it did not establish a team selection decision. Samson opened the series with 67, then scored 14, 18, four and four in the remaining matches. His total was 107 runs, including one half-century. India won the series 3-2 after New Zealand took the final two matches. The run of low scores drew criticism and prompted calls on social media for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to receive more opportunities. Sooryavanshi played two matches in the series, scoring four and 45, according to one report. The discussion over Samson’s place followed a...