Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the Indian team management not to keep Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the sidelines for too long after the 15-year-old was left out of the playing XI for the first T20I against New Zealand. The teenager’s continued absence has sparked a debate over India’s selection decisions, with Shastri highlighting the growing interest in the youngster.
Sooryavanshi missed out on selection for the sixth consecutive match as India opted to retain their established opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Both batters played crucial roles in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph and continued their good form in the series opener in Christchurch on Thursday, October 22.
India raced to 94 runs in the powerplay while chasing a daunting target of 226, further strengthening the case for the opening pair. However, Sooryavanshi’s absence has continued to raise questions, particularly after his impressive performances during the IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.
The teenager earned his place in India’s national setup following a record-breaking IPL campaign and also impressed during the team’s tour of Zimbabwe. However, he has struggled to find a place in the playing XI, having also remained on the bench during the T20I series against the West Indies.
Shastri, while commentating on Sony, revealed that even New Zealand supporters were curious about whether the young batter would feature in the match. He also warned that keeping Sooryavanshi out for an extended period could affect his momentum.
“I was walking down the river yesterday, and a few Kiwi fans asked me, ‘Is the 15-year-old kid playing tomorrow?’. He’s warmed the bench long enough; you don’t wanna lose his form.”
Karthik defends Sooryavanshi’s place in Indian team
Mitchell Santner acknowledges Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s threat
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner also acknowledged Sooryavanshi’s ability ahead of the five-match T20I series. The left-handed batter’s performances have caught the attention of opposition teams, and Santner revealed that the Black Caps were already aware of the threat he could pose.
Although Sooryavanshi did not feature in India’s recent T20I series against the West Indies, New Zealand have followed his progress and understand the potential impact he could have at the international level.
Santner told reporters: “Looking at India’s squad and their last series, obviously he didn’t play, but we have seen firsthand how good he is.”
India’s decision to stick with Samson and Abhishek paid off in the opening match, but Sooryavanshi’s continued wait for an opportunity remains a talking point. With four more matches remaining in the series, the team management will have to decide whether to maintain the existing combination or give the highly rated teenager a chance to showcase his talent.
