India’s recent T20I series against the West Indies ended with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi spending all five matches on the bench. The 15-year-old opener’s absence sparked debate among fans and experts, with many questioning why India did not give the youngster an opportunity during the series.

Sooryavanshi has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of 186.36. However, his limited opportunities under Gautam Gambhir contrast with the backing he received from VVS Laxman, who gave him regular game time while overseeing India’s second-string sides.

VVS Laxman Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but Gautam Gambhir Keeps Him on the Bench

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played all five matches under VVS Laxman but featured in only three of the 15 T20Is played during Gambhir’s tenure. All three appearances under Gambhir came during India’s tour of England, while he missed the bilateral series against Ireland, Afghanistan and the West Indies.

Under Laxman, Sooryavanshi earned the Player of the Series award during the 2026 Zimbabwe tour after scoring 151 runs at a strike rate of 196.10. He also made useful contributions during the 2026 Asian Games, scoring 38 off 21 balls against Sri Lanka and 15 off nine deliveries against Pakistan in the gold medal match.

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the final to win the gold medal. Sooryavanshi’s performances strengthened his case for further opportunities, but he has yet to make his international debut on home soil.

Why Gautam Gambhir Treats Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Differently From VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman often oversaw second-string squads during overlapping international assignments. The Asian Games combination also allowed India to include an extra batter, giving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a chance to prove himself.

Gambhir, meanwhile, has preferred continuity at the top of the order. India opened with Samson and Abhishek in all five T20Is against the West Indies, and the management chose not to disrupt the partnership. Sooryavanshi remained outside the playing XI despite calls from fans and experts to give him an opportunity.

Captain Shreyas Iyer has also backed the team’s approach. Iyer urged Sooryavanshi to trust the process and wait for his chance rather than expect an automatic place in the side. The management believes young players must earn their opportunities while the team maintains a settled combination.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Next Match: Full Details

India will travel to New Zealand after the home T20I series against the West Indies, with no break between the assignments. The tour begins with a five-match T20I series on October 22, followed by five ODIs and two Test matches against the Black Caps.

The first T20I is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Notably, the second match will take place at the same venue on October 24, before the teams move to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton for the remaining fixtures.

The tour could offer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi another opportunity to break into India’s playing XI. New Zealand’s conditions are often associated with pace and bounce, providing a different challenge for the young opener. However, his selection will depend on the team management’s plans.