On September 18, 2026, India won the third and final T20I against Afghanistan by 127 runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Indian team’s series win marked a solid showing, yet the selection choices attracted scrutiny, especially concerning young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was omitted from the playing XI in all three matches.
India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, stated on Thursday that Sooryavanshi will have to wait, as Samson and Abhishek Sharma are expected to remain in the team soon due to their previous performances. During the UK tour, there were doubts about how team management handled Samson and Sooryavanshi, as each played three games without making a significant impact.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir provided a detailed explanation of the decision, outlining why Sooryavanshi was left out of the squad. Gambhir recognised the 15-year -old ’s talent while explaining the selection principles that shaped the team’s decisions throughout the series.
Talking at the press conference, Gambhir said, “From Vaibhav’s point of view, it is again a very clear conversation that he has to wait for his opportunity. We know the kind of talent he has. We know what he can do. But again, someone who has done extremely well over a period of years obviously will always be ahead of someone who has just got into the team. Whenever he gets that chance, you will get a longer run as well.”
He further added, “That is what Indian cricket is all about—we want competition and talent in the dressing room, but that’s how cricket goes. Whether you’re a 15-year-old or a 30-year-old, when you have to wait for your opportunity, you have to wait for your opportunity.”
Sooryavanshi debuted for India internationally in the T20I series against England in July 2026. The young batter made a strong impression in the Indian Premier League 2026, earning MVP honours and amassing 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals. Even though Gambhir had a strong domestic performance and early international experience, his remarks highlighted that proven players would still be given preference in the squad.
Sanju Samson was prominent throughout the Afghanistan series and posted solid batting performances. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 50 in the series-deciding third T20I and also reached a half-century in the second match. Gambhir supported Samson’s selection, highlighting that his past performance and demonstrated skills warranted his ongoing role in the team.
Gambhir went on to say, “I think his talent itself is enough for him to be in the dressing room. I think he’s shown what he’s capable of. Someone doesn’t become a Player of the Tournament in a World Cup without having that talent. So he’s done enough. Obviously, it was tough—probably the toughest decision I’ve taken in my coaching tenure was leaving him out in that England series, considering how he performed prior to that.”
