Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Gambhir Says Talented Sooryavanshi Must Wait for Opportunity
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a very young Indian cricket player who has already done well.
India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, said that being talented does not mean a player will be picked for every match.
The coach and captain choose the team they think has the best chance to win.
Gambhir also said it would be unfair to quickly drop experienced players after a few poor games.
Sooryavanshi did not play in some recent matches, but he played in the Asian Games semifinal.
He scored 38 runs in that game.
In the final, he scored 15 runs as India beat Pakistan and kept its gold medal.
India coach Gautam Gambhir said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may need to wait for opportunities despite being talented and in good form.
Gambhir said team selection depends on what the coach and captain believe gives India the best chance to win, not outside noise.
He said dropping established players after a few failures could undermine security in the dressing room.
Sooryavanshi, 15, returned to India’s lineup for the Asian Games semifinal against Sri Lanka and scored 38 off 21 balls.
He scored 15 off nine balls in the final as India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to defend its Asian Games gold.
- Who
- India head coach Gautam Gambhir discussed teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- What
- Gambhir explained why Sooryavanshi may have to wait for playing opportunities, despite his talent and form.
- When
- Gambhir’s comments followed Sooryavanshi’s appearances in the 2026 Asian Games semifinal and final.
- Where
- Gambhir spoke on JioStar; the article is datelined New Delhi.
- Why
- Gambhir said selection depends on the coach and captain’s judgment of the best team and maintaining security for established players.
- Sooryavanshi's age
- 15
- Semifinal
- Scored 38 off 21 balls against Sri Lanka.
- Final
- Scored 15 off nine balls against Pakistan.
- Final result
- India won by 19 runs and defended its Asian Games gold medal.
- International debut
- Made his T20I debut against England at 15 years and 99 days, according to the article.
- Gambhir's selection rationale
- The coach and captain select the lineup they believe can win, rather than responding to social media or outside noise.