Vaibhav Suryavanshi (AP Photo)
India made two changes for the fifth and final T20I against England at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, with teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi left out of the playing XI.Sanju Samson replaced Sooryavanshi, while all-rounder Suryansh Shedge came in for Washington Sundar as India looked to end the series on a positive note having already conceded an unassailable 3-0 lead.
During the toss, captain Shreyas Iyer made it clear that the team management wanted to test different combinations rather than focusing on the outcome of the series.“I just want them to give 100% effort, no matter the score. I just want them to have a strong mentality where they go in and try to get the best out of them, rather than sulking or staying in that position where you’re a little bit rushed out of the game, give yourself some time, relax, take a breather.”
So, be in the moment and stop thinking about what happened or what will happen.”When asked about the changes, Iyer said: “We have two changes. Suryansh Shidge comes in for Washington and Sanju Samson comes in for Suryavanshi. I feel this is the time when we need to try what is best going forward for us as a team. Based on that, we have decided on that.”Sooryavanshi, who made his international debut on the tour, endured a difficult outing in England after showing promise in Ireland.
India opted to give Samson a chance in the final series as they weighed their options ahead of the upcoming assignments.After winning the toss, India chose to bowl first, but England’s batsmen took full advantage of the conditions. Jos Buttler smashed 131 off 64 balls, while skipper Harry Brook remained unbeaten with 95 balls as the hosts made 257/3 in 20 overs. The duo shared a strong 233-run stand for the second wicket after Phil Salt’s early dismissal.For India, Shivam Dubey took two wickets, while Prasidh Krishna got one.