Sanju Samson, who was pivotal in India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year, was brought back in the playing XI ahead of the fifth T20I between England and India.
He replaced 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at the top of the order.
The teenager was handed his international debut in the second T20I — replacing Sanju in the XI then — when he became the youngest-ever debutant in Indian men’s cricket history across formats.
He scored a 10-ball 14 on debut, including two sixes, and followed it up with scores of 13 (5) and 15 (10) in the next two matches.
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The news was revealed at the toss, which was delayed after the Indian team arrived late at the venue due to traffic.
India captain Shreyas Iyer, who chose to bowl after winning the coin flip, said Sanju had come in for Sooryavanshi. Moreover, the Indian management went for a second change, with Suryansh Shedge coming in for Washington Sundar.
“We have seen almost everything in this series. It is a great opportunity. I just want the team to give 100 per cent effort, irrespective of the result. I want them to get the best out of themselves. Just be in the moment and stop thinking about what has happened,” Shreyas said.
England has already wrapped up the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead after it beat the Men in Blue by nine wickets in the fourth match.
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Published on Jul 11, 2026