Sports · Cricket · 3 hrs ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains hopeful after four T20Is on the bench
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has not played in India's first four T20Is against the West Indies.
The 15-year-old opening batter posted “still believing” on social media as he waits for a chance.
India coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as the opening pair.
Gambhir said dropping either established player to make room for Sooryavanshi would be unfair, given their past performances.
The five-match series is level at 2-2, making the final T20I the decider.
Gambhir said Sooryavanshi will need to wait, but would get a longer run when he does play.
Whether he is selected for the final match remains uncertain.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has remained on the bench for all four T20Is against the West Indies.
The 15-year-old opener posted “still believing” on social media as he awaits a chance to play.
India have backed the opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir said Sooryavanshi must wait, but would get a longer run when selected.
The series is level at 2-2 ahead of the fifth and final T20I.
- Who
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old India opening batter, and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
- What
- Sooryavanshi posted “still believing” after sitting out four T20Is. Gambhir said he must wait for an opportunity.
- When
- Ahead of the fifth and final T20I; the articles were published on October 17, 2026.
- Where
- In the series between India and the West Indies. A specific venue is not stated.
- Why
- India have continued with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as openers, and Gambhir said established players should remain ahead of a newcomer.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cricket Central posted on social media about Sooryavanshi ahead of the fifth and final T20I.
Sooryavanshi shared a social media post reading “still believing.
The Times of India and Moneycontrol.com published reports about his continued absence and Gambhir’s comments.
- Matches sat out
- 4 T20Is
- Age
- 15
- Series score
- 2-2
- India opening combination
- Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma
- Social media message
- still believing
3 sources
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Have To Wait": Ex-India Star's Bold New Zealand Prediction
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi posts two-word message after sitting out 4 straight matches ahead of IND vs WI 5th T
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi drops 2-word post after being benched by Gautam Gambhir for first 4 T20Is vs West Indies
What people are saying
still believing
I think Samson showed what he is capable of. Someone doesn't become Player Of The Tournament in the World Cup without having talent, so he has done enough.
From Vaibhav's point of view, it is again a very clear conversation that he has to wait for his opportunity.
Whenever he gets that chance, you will get a longer run as well.
Posts on X
Vaibhav Suryavanshi story ahead of 5th & final T20Is against West Indies.🔥