New Delhi: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has made it clear that teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his opportunity in the senior national team, despite the excitement surrounding the 15 year old.
Speaking after India’s 127 run victory over Afghanistan in the third T20I, Gambhir said established players with consistent performances over the past few years would remain ahead of newcomers when it comes to selection.
Sooryavanshi was not included in the playing XI in any of the three T20Is against Afghanistan, with Sanju Samson featuring throughout the series.
Gambhir backed Samson’s selection, pointing to his ability and previous performances. Samson scored a half century in the series decider after another fifty in the previous match.
The India coach also recalled Samson’s performances that earned him recognition during a World Cup campaign, saying his talent justified his place in the squad.
Gambhir explained that India were also keen to return to the combination that delivered the T20 World Cup, arguing that established players do not suddenly become poor performers after a few failures.
India completed a 3 0 series sweep against Afghanistan, with Abhishek Sharma producing a spectacular 108 off 34 balls, including a 31 ball century. India posted 221 for seven before dismissing Afghanistan for 94.
Youngsters Set For ODI Opportunity
Gambhir also addressed India’s upcoming three match ODI series against the West Indies, acknowledging that the Asian Games schedule had influenced squad selection.
The situation has created opportunities for emerging players, including Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi and Punjab batter Naman Dhir.
Gambhir said the three ODIs would give the newcomers an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and expand India’s pool of white ball players.
The West Indies series begins on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, with Shubman Gill leading the Indian side. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj are also part of the squad.
