Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not playing JPN vs IND T20I match?
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has played six T20Is for India.
India are facing Japan in a one-off T20I before commencing their Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Monday, September 22, at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture.
India are entering the competition as the two-time ICC T20 World Cup defending champions and as No. 2 ranked side in T20Is. Meanwhile, the hosts are currently 41st in the ICC rankings and are trying to make a name for themselves in the sport.
Shreyas Iyer will lead the team in the continental competition as captain, while VVS Laxman will serve as head coach. However, before the competitions, the Men in Blue face Japan in the Suzuki Cup.
The match was expected to start early Thursday morning, September 22; however, it was postponed due to a wet outfield from heavy rain and residual moisture left by Typhoon Dujuan. When the match started, it was reduced to only five overs. Sheyas Iyer won the toss and decided that his side would bat first.
Why did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi miss JPN vs IND T20I clash?
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However, the cricket fans were shocked when they realised that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had not been named in the lineup for the five-over match. Known for his explosive batting style and fearless approach towards elite bowlers, the 15-year-old would have been a perfect choice as an opener.
However, the coaching staff and the captain have decided to go with a more experienced pair: Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The Rajasthan Royals batter has played six T20Is for the Men in Blue, and his best performance came recently, where he scored 81 runs against the West Indies.
Sooryavanshi has scored 193 runs in six innings with an average of 32 and an impressive strike rate of 189. However, fans would hope to see the 15-year-old in India’s Asian Games campaign, starting next week.
Who is the captain of the Indian team at the Suzuki Cup?
Sheyas Iyer is the captain, while Tilak Varma has been named as his deputy.
Why has Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not been named in the playing XI against Japan?
The coaching staff and the captain have decided to go with a more experienced pair: Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
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