Photo via The Times of India

‘Very tempted to play Sooryavanshi’: Ex-India coach’s big call for series decider

India’s T20I series against the West Indies remains undecided as the sides prepare for the fifth and final match in Bengaluru, tied at 2-2. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar highlighted wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s resurgence in the fourth game, where his composed innings—despite India’s eventual loss—offered a crucial boost in momentum.

Nayar praised Samson’s renewed control and confidence at the crease, suggesting his ability to anchor the innings could prove pivotal in the decider if he maintains his form. Meanwhile, the inclusion of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi looms as a tactical dilemma for the team management, with Nayar expressing strong interest in deploying him but acknowledging the challenges of integrating a 15-year-old into the batting order.

The coach floated the idea of reshuffling the middle order, potentially replacing Naman Dhir with Kuldeep Yadav to create space for Axar Patel’s versatility, while Sooryavanshi’s debut could hinge on his ability to adapt to the conditions at the venue.

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Abhishek Nayar suggests bowling change to fit Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into India's XI