Last Updated: October 18, 2026 02:10 PM
One teenage batter has fans talking after every squad announcement. His numbers look great, but his playing time looks very small. Here’s a simple look at why that keeps on happening. Many supporters believe he deserves a proper run in the team.
A Young Star on the Bench
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is only 15 years old, yet he is already famous. He sat out all five T20Is against the West Indies. Fans and experts quickly asked why India gave him no chance.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi keeps missing the playing XI despite his strong numbers. He has scored 246 runs in 8 T20Is at a strike rate of 186.36. Many fans felt the series was a perfect chance to test him.
His fearless batting style has excited fans since his IPL days.
Gautam Gambhir vs VVS Laxman: Two Different Approaches
VVS Laxman gave Sooryavanshi regular chances with India’s second-string sides. He played all five matches that Laxman handled with those teams. At the Asian Games, Laxman picked him as an opener, and India won gold.
Laxman often led India’s second-string teams when senior players were busy elsewhere. That setup gave young players more room to show their talent. Under Gautam Gambhir, he has played only three of 15 T20Is.
All three of those games came during the tour of England. This Gautam Gambhir vs VVS Laxman contrast explains much of the debate.
Why Gambhir Prefers a Settled Opening Pair
Gambhir values a steady opening partnership at the top of the order. India kept Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as openers in the West Indies series. Samson also scored an impressive 82 off 41 balls in the second T20I.
That innings strengthened the case for keeping the current pair. Gambhir has said Sooryavanshi must simply wait for his opportunity. He also said age will not change the selection process.
Captain Shreyas Iyer reportedly urged the teenager to trust the process. The management wants young players to earn their place patiently.
What Comes Next in New Zealand
India’s tour of New Zealand begins with five T20Is on October 22. The first match takes place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The second T20I will follow at the same venue on October 24.
New Zealand’s pitches often offer pace and bounce, which could test the young opener. This tour may give him another chance to enter India’s playing XI. Some experts have urged India to give him a longer run.
Fans will watch closely to see whether Gambhir changes his plan.
