India’s young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi faces a challenging path to securing a regular place in the national team’s T20I playing XI, with former India opener Aakash Chopra highlighting the difficulties created by the team’s established top-order batters.
The 15-year-old is part of India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, beginning November 22. However, Sooryavanshi did not feature in the recently concluded home T20I series against the West Indies, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Despite his promising performances and aggressive batting approach, the youngster continues to wait for consistent opportunities at the international level. India’s top-order options, including Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, have made competition for places increasingly difficult.
‘It’s Heartbreaking, But There Is No Other Way’
Chopra believes Sooryavanshi’s absence from the playing XI is not necessarily a reflection of his ability but rather a consequence of limited opportunities in the team’s batting order.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked whether Sooryavanshi should replace Tilak Varma, whose consistency has come under scrutiny.
“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi isn't getting chances because a place isn't getting created for him. In whose place should you play him? To be fair, he can play only in place of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, or Ishan Kishan,” Chopra said.
He acknowledged that dropping an in-form batter to accommodate the youngster would be difficult. Instead, Chopra proposed rotating the available top-order players to ensure everyone receives sufficient playing time.
“I know it is heartbreaking, but there is no other way,” he said, adding that his rotation suggestion had not received much support.
Ranji Trophy Opportunity Could Benefit the Youngster
Chopra also suggested that Sooryavanshi should be released to play in the Ranji Trophy if he remains on the bench throughout the series. According to him, keeping the teenager in the squad without giving him match opportunities would serve little purpose.
Sooryavanshi has scored 246 runs in eight T20I matches at a strike rate exceeding 186, including two half-centuries. His explosive batting makes him an exciting prospect for India’s future, but regular opportunities will be crucial to his development.
With the New Zealand series approaching, India’s team management faces a key decision: how to balance established performers with the need to develop one of the country’s most promising young batters.
