Former Indian chairman of selectors and commentator Kris Srikkanth has questioned the team management, headed by Gautam Gambhir, for neglecting the teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throughout the three-match T20I series vs Afghanistan.
Notably, Sooryavanshi entered the Afghanistan series on the back of a player-of-the-series performance on the most recent Zimbabwe tour, scoring 151 runs from three games at a strike rate of 196.1.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth reckoned that Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Sooryavanshi should have played two matches each, or the latter could have played all three games of the series.
“Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should have played two matches each. Or Sooryavanshi could have played all three games, with the other two rotating each match. By doing that, Sooryavanshi would have played in Indian conditions and gained more confidence. But instead, he has been sidelined,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
“The newer guys should always play the easier series. By rotating, you’ll find out about each one. There would have also been continuity for Sooryavanshi. Now there will be several uncertainties in his mind when he plays next. They followed one rule with Arshdeep Singh by resting him. The same should have been implemented for the three openers, with each playing two matches,” he added.
Further, the former Indian cricketer requested the Indian team management to groom the 15-year-old batting prodigy, calling him a future world-beater. After his heroics on the Zimbabwe tour, Sooryavanshi propelled East Zone to the Duleep Trophy 2026 title win.
“Grooming Sooryavanshi is the most important. He’s an uncut diamond for World cricket. Building his confidence and making him a world-beater is crucial for World cricket itself. The revival of world cricket itself will be through him,” said Srikkanth.
