Vaibhav Suryavanshi Not in Playing XI: Gautam Gambhir Explains Why He Has to Wait

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has explained why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not feature in any match of India's three-game T20I series against Afghanistan.

India completed a 3-0 series sweep on Thursday after beating Afghanistan by 127 runs in the third T20I in New Delhi. Despite Sooryavanshi's impressive performances earlier in the year, the teenager remained on the bench throughout the series.

Gambhir said the team had clearly communicated to Sooryavanshi that he would have to wait for his opportunity.

Gautam Gambhir on Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Playing XI Absence

Gambhir said the youngster's age would not automatically guarantee him a place in the playing XI.

The India coach explained that players who have performed consistently over a longer period can remain ahead in the selection order, while assuring that Sooryavanshi would receive a longer run when his opportunity arrives.

The comments came after Sooryavanshi was left out of all three T20Is against Afghanistan, despite having been named Player of the Series during India's preceding T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi's International Journey

Sooryavanshi made his T20I debut against England earlier this year. He then produced a strong performance against Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs in the series and earning the Player of the Series award.

His absence against Afghanistan therefore raised questions about the competition for places at the top of India's T20 batting order. Gambhir, however, stressed that the young batter's opportunity would come and that he would be given a consistent run once selected.

Gambhir Calls Sanju Samson Decision His Toughest

Gambhir also discussed Sanju Samson's return to the Indian playing XI.

The India coach said leaving Samson out during the England series was probably the toughest selection decision of his coaching tenure. He pointed to Samson's previous performances and his status as a World Cup Player of the Tournament as reasons for backing the experienced batter.

Gambhir also said the team wanted to return to the combination that had delivered success during the World Cup, rather than making major changes after a limited run of poor results.

Abhishek Sharma Stars as India Sweep Afghanistan 3-0

India's decision to retain its established opening combination paid off during the Afghanistan series.

Abhishek Sharma produced a sensational 108 off just 34 balls in the third T20I. He reached his century in 30 balls as India posted 221/7 before bowling Afghanistan out for 94.

India consequently won the match by 127 runs and completed a 3-0 series sweep.

Hardik Pandya's Return Still Subject to Fitness Clearance

Gambhir also addressed Hardik Pandya's availability for ODI cricket. The coach indicated that Pandya is not currently ready to bowl a full 10-over quota in ODIs, which is an important consideration for team balance.

Pandya has been named in India's A squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia A in Puducherry. However, the BCCI has stated that his selection is subject to fitness clearance.

Gambhir indicated that if Pandya is fit, there could be a possibility of playing him alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, giving India additional batting and bowling depth.

India Look to Maintain T20 Momentum

With the Afghanistan series ending in a 3-0 sweep, India's management now has several selection decisions to consider ahead of the next phase of the T20 calendar.

For Sooryavanshi, Gambhir's message was clear: his opportunity will come, but the teenager will have to wait for his turn. The India coach also indicated that once the opportunity arrives, the youngster can expect a consistent run.

The competition for places is therefore likely to remain intense, with established players such as Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma competing alongside emerging talent like Sooryavanshi.