New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh) — Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has clarified the decision to keep emerging batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi out of the playing eleven during the recently concluded three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan. Despite coming off a remarkable run of form, the 15-year-old left-hander was asked to wait for his opportunities as the team management prioritized veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson to maintain stability ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Suryavanshi entered the Afghanistan series carrying tremendous momentum following an exceptional Player of the Series performance against Zimbabwe, where he amassed 151 runs across three fixtures, alongside notable contributions in domestic red-ball cricket in the Duleep Trophy. However, the Indian team management opted to back Samson, who recovered from an early failure in the opening contest to register consecutive half-centuries in the remaining two games, fully vindicating the leadership group’s faith in his match-winning capabilities.
Reflecting on selection decisions, Gambhir described leaving Samson out during the earlier tour of England to accommodate Suryavanshi as one of the toughest choices of his coaching career. While the management previously backed the teenager’s blistering form, Gambhir emphasized that long-term team balance and international experience remain central to India’s major tournament preparations. The head coach pointed out that a couple of quiet outings do not diminish a proven performer, reiterating that Samson retains seniority in the hierarchy.
Reaffirming his belief in Suryavanshi’s immense potential, Gambhir assured that the young batter remains firmly in India’s long-term roadmap. He stressed that when Suryavanshi eventually breaks into the national lineup, he will receive an extended run to establish himself, but urged patience from the teenager while senior players continue to anchor the core composition.
