Photo via The Times of India

'Not good news': Ex-India star questions India's handling of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Former India opener Mohammad Kaif has criticized the team’s decision to drop young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from the fourth T20I against New Zealand, arguing the move was premature given India’s already secure 3-0 series lead. Sooryavanshi had played the second and third matches after Ishan Kishan was sidelined by injury, delivering a standout partnership with Abhishek Sharma in the third game, where the pair combined for 100 runs in just six overs.

However, when Kishan returned for the fourth match, Sooryavanshi was omitted and India suffered an 87-run defeat in Auckland, raising questions about the selection process. Kaif emphasized that Sooryavanshi, a player with clear potential, deserved more consistent game time to build confidence, especially in a series where the outcome was no longer in doubt.

He also suggested that Kishan’s hasty return—while still recovering from injury—may have contributed to the team’s struggles, noting that the wicketkeeper-batter might not have been fully fit to handle both roles. With India set to face New Zealand in the final T20I at Seddon Park, speculation is growing that Sooryavanshi could regain his place, possibly replacing Sanju Samson, who has struggled with the bat in the series, scoring just 14, 18, and four in his last three innings.

The fifth match presents another opportunity for Sooryavanshi to prove his worth, though the team’s management may also consider broader tactical adjustments after the heavy loss.

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