Shreyas Iyer reveals why India didn't play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IND vs WI T20I series
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn’t feature in any game during the IND vs WI T20I series.
The five-match T20I series between India and the West Indies ended disappointingly in Bengaluru. The series was evenly poised at 2-2 before the final game. However, the series decider on Saturday was washed out.
Both teams delivered impressive batting performances in the first four matches and fans were excited for the final encounter. The match started late and, due to rain, was shortened to nine overs per side.
India batted first and were 118/5 when the rain started, after which play could not continue. Eventually, the series was tied, and the trophy was shared. It was a fitting end to a highly competitive series.
Both teams had several positives from the series. But fans did not get to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play in this series. The 15-year-old didn’t get a chance, and captain Shreyas Iyer revealed why.
Why didn’t Vaibhav get an opportunity against the West Indies?
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India stuck with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson at the top, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi warmed the bench in all five matches. Several former cricketers and fans questioned the decision. However, Iyer has revealed why the team made the decision.
During the post-match conference, Iyer said, “I just keep telling him you will get the opportunity; if you are consistent about your processes, you have to wait sometimes. We have got two fantastic openers; that’s the conversation we have been having with Vaibhav.”
Abhishek finished with 145 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 181.25. Samson scored 168 at a strike rate of 195.35. All three played together in the Asian Games 2026 final against Pakistan, which India won to clinch gold.
West Indian captain Shai Hope said that his team were determined of the historic series win in India. He said, “We were very close (to a series win in India). Something that we haven’t done in 20-plus years. We are certainly progressing. The success does not mean a series win. The way we played cricket, guys stepping up at different points. You still have to have that self-belief.”
Notably, India are set to travel to New Zealand for five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests. The tour will begin with the first T20I on October 22 in Christchurch. Conditions will be difficult for batting, but it will be a major test for the Indian top order.
Who won the IND vs WI T20I series?
After the final match was abandoned, the five-match T20I series ended in a draw (2-2).
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