India captain Shreyas Iyer has backed the decision to keep Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the bench throughout the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. Iyer urged the 15-year-old batter to remain patient, given the consistent performances of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.

The series ended in a 2-2 draw after the fifth and final T20I match in Bengaluru was abandoned due to rain on Saturday, October 17. Persistent rain reduced the match to nine overs per side, with the Men in Blue scoring 118/5 in 7.4 overs before rain forced the match to be called off.

Shreyas Iyer Explains Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Had to Wait for His Chance

India continued with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order in all five matches. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Shreyas Iyer said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needed to trust the process and stay relaxed while waiting for his opportunity.

"So, I just keep telling him, [Vaibhav Sooryavanshi] you will get your opportunities. If you're consistent with your process, mindset a bit light and not think too much about not getting an opportunity... you have to wait sometimes. We've got two fantastic openers who've been consistent throughout," Shreyas Iyer said.

Samson scored 168 runs in five innings at an average of 33.6 and a strike rate of 195.34. Abhishek added 145 runs at a strike rate of 181.25. Both batters registered two half-centuries, making it difficult for Sooryavanshi to break into the opening pair.

During the rain-hit fifth match, Ishan Kishan struck 30 off 10 balls, while Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 24 from six deliveries. West Indies pacers Shamar Springer and Keemo Paul picked up two wickets each before the match was abandoned.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Form and Record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned his senior India debut during the T20I series against England in July after an outstanding IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. He won the Orange Cap after scoring 776 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 237.30.

The left-hander has played eight T20Is, scoring 246 runs at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of 186.36, including two half-centuries. All eight appearances have come outside India, so he is yet to make his international debut on home soil.

Sooryavanshi last represented India in the final of the 2026 Asian Games against Pakistan. During the campaign, he scored 53 runs across two matches at a strike rate of 176.66. He remained on the bench against the West Indies as India stuck with its established openers.

India Begin Multi-Format New Zealand Tour on October 22

India will travel to New Zealand immediately after the West Indies series for a multi-format tour beginning on October 22. The schedule includes five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is part of India’s T20I squad for the series against the Black Caps.

Shreyas Iyer will lead India during the T20I leg and captain the team in the final two ODIs. Regular ODI captain Shubman Gill will lead the side in the first three matches before being rested for the remaining games to prepare for the Test series.

Speaking about the demanding schedule, Shreyas Iyer said the team had become accustomed to frequent travel but acknowledged the challenge of maintaining routines and recovering between matches.

"Just like another day, we're used to the travel. Not easy to recover and see to it that our routines are intact, but we've been doing that well. Adjusting to conditions pretty fast. As long as we're maintaining this consistently, it's good for the team."