Sooryavanshi Waits as Gambhir Backs Samson, Sharma

India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to continue waiting in the wings, with head coach Gautam Gambhir confirming that Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma remain ahead of him in the team’s pecking order. The 15-year-old, who was named Player of the Series during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, did not feature in a single match of the recently concluded T20I series against Afghanistan, which India won 3-0.

Samson Reclaims His Spot

Samson, who was rested during the Zimbabwe leg to allow Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma to open the innings together, made a strong comeback against Afghanistan, notching up two half-centuries to reaffirm his place in the side. Sooryavanshi had made the most of his opportunity in Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs across the series, but that form was not enough to displace Samson once he returned to full fitness and availability.

Gambhir Calls for Patience

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Gambhir stressed the importance of patience, healthy competition, and consistent form when it comes to selection calls. He acknowledged that dropping Samson during India’s tour of England had been the toughest decision of his coaching career, underlining just how highly the team management regards the Kerala batter’s credentials.

With the Asian Games on the horizon, where a Shreyas Iyer-led side will be mentored by VVS Laxman, the current hierarchy is expected to hold. For now, Sooryavanshi’s breakout performances will have to serve as a marker for the future rather than an immediate passport to the senior T20I side, as India’s team management continues to prioritise proven match-winners in Samson and Abhishek Sharma.