Cricket

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains patient as India sticks with opening pair for final T20I

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 17, 2026, 11:33 IST

Young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has posted a cryptic message as he awaits his debut, while head coach Gautam Gambhir confirms the current opening duo will remain for the final T20I against West Indies.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains patient as India sticks with opening pair for final T20I

Young batting talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken to social media to express his resolve, posting the message "still believing" as he continues to wait for his international debut. The 15-year-old has been sidelined for the first four matches of India's T20I series against the West Indies, with the team management opting to persist with the established opening partnership of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.

Despite the anticipation surrounding his inclusion in the squad, Sooryavanshi has yet to feature in the playing XI. His recent post suggests he remains optimistic about earning a cap in the fifth and final match of the series, as India looks to secure a decisive result in the concluding encounter.

Gambhir backs established opening duo

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has provided clarity on the selection strategy, emphasizing that the current opening pair has earned the right to remain in the side. Gambhir noted that disrupting the combination of Samson and Abhishek would be unfair, particularly given Samson's recent contributions to the national team, including his recognition as the Player of the Tournament during the World Cup.

Addressing the selection dilemma, Gambhir explained that the coaching staff is prioritizing the continuity of a lineup that has proven successful in major tournaments. He stressed that a brief dip in form does not diminish the value of experienced players who were instrumental in India's recent successes. According to Gambhir, the decision to maintain the current opening order was one of the most challenging calls he has faced in his tenure, but it remains a strategic necessity for the team's balance.

Patience required for the teenager

While acknowledging the immense potential of the 15-year-old, Gambhir made it clear that Sooryavanshi must remain patient as he integrates into the international setup. The head coach reiterated that established players who have performed consistently over several years will naturally be prioritized in the selection hierarchy.

Gambhir assured that the team management is fully aware of the teenager's capabilities and what he brings to the squad. He confirmed that once the young batter is given his opportunity to play, the intention is to provide him with a longer run to prove himself at the highest level. For now, however, the focus remains on the final match of the series, with Sooryavanshi continuing to prepare from the sidelines.