Photo via The Times of India

Drop Sooryavanshi from squad? ‘Heartbreaking, but no other way,’ says ex-cricketer

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the challenges faced by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in securing a spot in the national T20I team, emphasizing the limited availability of top-order positions. Sooryavanshi, included in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand starting November 22, was omitted entirely during the recent home series against the West Indies, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Despite his impressive form—246 runs in eight matches at a strike rate exceeding 186, including two half-centuries—Chopra argues the teenager’s exclusion stems from a crowded top-order rather than a lack of talent. The established batters Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan have consistently outperformed him, leaving little room for rotation.

Chopra suggested releasing Sooryavanshi to play in the Ranji Trophy if he remains on the bench, calling the current situation ‘heartbreaking’ but acknowledging the lack of support for his proposed rotation strategy. He also defended Tilak Varma, noting the vice-captain’s recent contributions as a finisher, despite earlier struggles at the top of the order.

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