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India faces selection dilemma for opening slot ahead of Afghanistan clash

With Shreyas Iyer's squad preparing to face Afghanistan, uncertainty looms over who will occupy India's opening batting position. Three in-form candidates—Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Vaibhav Surywanshi—are vying for the opportunity.

LSN India · 12 September 2026

India faces selection dilemma for opening slot ahead of Afghanistan clash

India's selection committee faces a significant decision ahead of the upcoming encounter against Afghanistan, with multiple opening batsmen in peak form competing for limited spots in the playing XI.

Shreyag Iyer-led Indian squad has identified a strong pool of talent for the opening position, creating a welcome headache for team management. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Vaibhav Surywanshi have all demonstrated impressive recent form, making the choice between them particularly challenging.

The three contenders have impressed selectors with consistent performances in recent matches. Each brings distinct strengths to the opening role, with form being the primary factor guiding the selection committee's decision-making process.

Team officials are expected to announce the final XI before the Afghanistan fixture, with the opener's selection likely to depend on recent performance metrics and match conditions. The decision will set the tone for India's batting approach in the match, making it a crucial strategic consideration for the coaching staff.