Ranchi: Sanju Samson's extended lean patch stands as the lone concern in an otherwise flourishing batting line-up, prompting the Indian team hierarchy to consider partnering teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi alongside opener Abhishek Sharma in Friday's second T20 International against the West Indies.

A victory here would extend India's advantage to 2-0 in the five-match series, though the home side will certainly expect a more substantial contribution from Samson.

The Kerala batter's previous four innings have yielded 9, 7, 2, and 11 runs. Consequently, opening partnerships involving Samson across those four fixtures have produced just 7, 12, 2 (with Sooryavanshi slotting in as opener on both occasions), and 29 runs.

However, the middle order anchored by skipper Shreyas Iyer, who has settled comfortably into his role as T20I captain, has covered up those top-order failures in brilliant style. Iyer also brought up his maiden T20I century in his 68th international match in the format.

The situation presents a compelling argument to hand Sooryavanshi another opportunity. The left-hander has demonstrated that T20 cricket aligns naturally with his skill set in his limited appearances thus far.

His extensive and distinct strokeplay, combined with an ability to deliver match-winning performances, makes him an attractive proposition.

Nevertheless, India have consistently backed the established opening pair of Abhishek and Samson.

The coaching staff's faith in Samson was evident when he was accommodated at No. 3 during the Asian Games in Japan, allowing Sooryavanshi to open the innings.

Yet, Samson has so far failed to repay that confidence with matching performances.

In that context, the current five-match series against the West Indies could carry significant weight for Samson, who cannot rely indefinitely on his past World Cup displays.

At the same time, Sooryavanshi, despite his immense talent, has discovered that international cricket presents a steep learning curve.

He recorded scores of 14, 13, and 15 during India's 3-0 series defeat against England, whilst posting 18 and 35 at the Asian Games.

While those figures are not poor for a newcomer, they underline that he cannot be rushed prematurely into elite international cricket purely on account of public anticipation.

India's management will therefore weigh every factor carefully before offering another run to the 15-year-old.

Friday's fixture is thus less about an immediate selection swap and more about an ongoing Samson-Sooryavanshi dilemma that could intensify as the series unfolds.

For Samson, any continuation of his current drought could render his position increasingly difficult to preserve.

Pace bowling combination

India will also evaluate potential adjustments to their pace attack.

Mayank Yadav surrendered 16 runs in the opening over of the first T20I at Lucknow and proved costly through both the middle overs and at the death.

He did, however, secure the crucial breakthrough of West Indies top-scorer Sherfane Rutherford in the penultimate over.

The team management may feel inclined to introduce all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and entrust him with the new ball, although that tactic met with limited success during the preceding ODI series.

By contrast, the spin department appeared well-balanced after Kuldeep Yadav joined veteran Axar Patel in the starting eleven. The pair collected two wickets apiece whilst maintaining relentless pressure on the West Indies batters.

Rookie off-spin all-rounder Naman Dhir offered another positive note, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 31.

For the West Indies, the batting unit must produce a significantly higher total than the 171 all out posted in the series opener.

Their line-up features established T20 stars, with Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, and Romario Shepherd offering substantial power around captain Shai Hope.

The visitors will need to capitalise on an Indian side playing without Jasprit Bumrah, and a total above 220 could provide a defendable foundation.

Batting remains the West Indies' primary strength, and they will need to maximise it to offset a bowling unit that lacks sharpness outside of cunning left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

Teams (from):

India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Naman Dhir, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Prince Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Mayank Yadav.

West Indies: Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.

The match starts at 7 p.m. local time on 9th October (13:30 GMT).

PTI