Sports · Cricket · 9 hrs ago
Srikkanth criticises India for leaving Sooryavanshi out against New Zealand
Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticised coach Gautam Gambhir and India's team management over their handling of teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Sooryavanshi was left out of India's final matches against New Zealand after playing earlier in the series.
He had scored 45 runs from 19 balls in the third T20I, and was left out after Ishan Kishan returned from injury.
India had already secured a 3-0 series lead, but lost the last two matches and won the five-match series 3-2.
Srikkanth said the team should give Sooryavanshi a consistent run and clearer role rather than leave him uncertain about his chances.
He also said India could rotate its three opening options, including Sanju Samson, whose place he did not call for dropping altogether.
Srikkanth argued that earlier series against Ireland and the West Indies also offered chances to give the teenager international experience.
Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticised coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management for leaving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the final two T20Is against New Zealand.
Srikkanth said the teenager needed a sustained run and that the selection decisions created uncertainty for players.
Sooryavanshi had scored 45 off 19 balls in the third T20I in Wellington before being left out of the next two matches.
Ishan Kishan returned after recovering from injury, while Sanju Samson kept his place in the side.
India won the five-match series 3-2 after taking a 3-0 lead and losing the final two matches.
- Who
- Former India captain and selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticised coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management.
- What
- Srikkanth questioned India’s decision to leave Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the final two T20Is against New Zealand.
- When
- The criticism was reported on November 2, 2026, after the five-match series.
- Where
- The matches were part of India’s T20I series against New Zealand; the third T20I was in Wellington and the final T20I was in Hamilton.
- Why
- Srikkanth said Sooryavanshi was in excellent form and needed a consistent opportunity, and warned that the selection decisions could create insecurity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sooryavanshi scored 45 off 19 balls in Wellington.
Sooryavanshi was left out as Ishan Kishan returned after injury and Sanju Samson retained his place.
India lost the final two matches after leading 3-0, finishing with a 3-2 series victory.
Srikkanth’s criticism of the team’s handling of Sooryavanshi was reported.
- Series result
- India won 3-2
- Series lead
- India led 3-0 before losing the final two T20Is
- Sooryavanshi's third T20I score
- 45 off 19 balls
- Final T20I venue
- Hamilton
- Ishan Kishan
- Returned after recovering from injury
3 sources
What people are saying
I can’t understand why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn’t play the last two games. He is in excellent form and proved his mettle in New Zealand conditions in the third match.
You are creating an atmosphere of insecurity for the players, be it Samson or Sooryavanshi.
Give a good run to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Give the three openers clarity. Tell them you'll play 3 matches and you'll get the remaining two.
Where should have Vaibhav played? Ideally, those two matches against Ireland.