Photo via Hindustan Times

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's exclusion under scanner, unfair treatment alleged: ‘Even my wife is questioning his exclusion’

Ex-national team captain and former chief selector Kris Srikkanth has voiced strong frustration over the omission of 15-year-old talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from India's starting lineup in their opening contest against Afghanistan. The team opted to open with Abhishek Sharma, who blasted 82 runs, alongside Sanju Samson, who managed only eight.

10 strike rate, despite having to swiftly pivot from participating in the Duleep Trophy final.

Highlighting that even his own spouse was bewildered by the decision, Srikkanth urged team leadership to back the youngster following his strong showings in domestic competitions and for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He also criticized the erratic treatment of Samson, noting how Samson began the UK tour in July for three fixtures, was supplanted by Sooryavanshi, resurfaced for the seventh game, and was then sidelined for the Zimbabwe matches.