New Delhi: The continued absence of teenage batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi from India’s playing XI has triggered questions about the team management’s approach to nurturing young talent. His childhood coach, Manish Ojha, has criticised the selection decisions, arguing that promising players need opportunities on the field to develop their potential.
Speaking to Sports Now, Ojha expressed disappointment over Suryavanshi’s repeated omission, suggesting that prolonged time on the sidelines could affect the youngster’s confidence and match readiness. He also questioned whether the team management was providing the 15-year-old a fair opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.
Suryavanshi made his international debut in England in July 2026 and has since featured in eight T20 Internationals, including matches in Zimbabwe and Japan. However, he is yet to play an international match in India. After missing the Afghanistan series, he remained outside the playing XI during the ongoing five-match T20I series against the West Indies.
His chances are complicated by competition for the opening positions. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have been the preferred opening pair, with both offering strong reasons for the management to retain the combination.
Samson’s performances, including his contribution to India’s 2026 T20 World Cup triumph, have strengthened his case, while Abhishek’s aggressive batting has made him another key option at the top of the order.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously acknowledged that leaving out established performers can be a difficult decision, emphasising the importance of current form and team requirements. He has also indicated that Suryavanshi has been advised to remain patient and wait for his opportunity.
Ojha’s remarks have renewed discussion about balancing team stability with opportunities for emerging players. The final selection decision rests with the Indian team management, and Suryavanshi’s next appearance will depend on the team’s strategy and requirements in the remaining fixtures.
