Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Must Wait Despite Selection Debate? Ex-India Coach Explains

Former India cricketer and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have to wait longer for opportunities in India's T20I side, citing the team's preferred left-right opening combination and the tactical advantage it provides against opposition spinners. India's five-match T20I series in New Zealand begins on November 22. Sooryavanshi, 15, has featured in eight T20Is, scoring 246 runs at a strike rate of over 186, including two half-centuries. Despite the excitement surrounding his talent and power-hitting ability, Sooryavanshi has found himself on the sidelines, with the more experienced opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma preferred at the top. He did not feature in any of the five matches during the recently concluded home series against the West Indies, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Speaking on JioHotstar's Out or Not Out, Nayar said team culture and continuity are important factors behind selection decisions.

"Often, for a team's culture, if you are a coach or a captain, it is crucial to make the right decisions. If you make haphazard decisions, the impact on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's career is one thing, but the impact on team culture will be far greater.

"So, according to me, the decision will be, 'Vaibhav, wait for your time, you will also get opportunities.' Maybe in a series where Sanju isn't there or is rested, he will play."

Nayar also highlighted the importance of maintaining a left-right batting combination at the top of the order.

"But as long as there is a left-hander at No. 3 and at the top, you will always think that a right-hander in between is necessary. So, it is not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; it is about having that left-right combination so that a bowler like Michael Bracewell does not come and bowl out his overs in the powerplay," he added.

Discussing Samson's recent T20I form, which has been marked by periods of inconsistency mixed with match-winning knocks, Nayar said the wicketkeeper-batter has a unique ability to silence his critics.

"Sanju plays with everyone's emotions because he would not score runs for two matches, and everyone starts raising questions: 'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play, Sanju Samson isn't capitalising on his chances, how long will we wait?'

"And at that very moment, he will score an 80 in no time. Sanju is that kind of player who will repeatedly give you opportunities to raise questions about him and then play a big knock, making the most of his chances.

"So, there will be moments when there will be discussions about his place, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait," he said.

Samson was India's second-highest run-scorer in the West Indies T20I series, scoring 168 runs in five matches at an average of 33.60 and a strike rate of 195.34, including two half-centuries. His highest score in the series was 82.

Overall in 2026, Samson has scored 703 runs in 25 T20Is at an average of 29.29 and a strike rate of 179.33, with seven half-centuries.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

Spain Vs Argentina | Dani Olmo On WC Triumph: 'Wanted To Set An Example For The Next Generation'