India’s young batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI once again for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, despite India having already secured an unbeatable 3-1 series lead.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the decision, making it clear that team selection would not be influenced by public expectations.
“My job is not to make everyone happy. My job is to take the right decisions, not the popular decisions,” Gambhir said before the match.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining confidence within the dressing room and giving experienced players sufficient opportunities based on their consistent performances.
Sooryavanshi featured in only two matches during the series. After a modest start, the 15-year-old impressed with a quick 45 in the third T20I, contributing to India’s record-breaking powerplay performance.
However, Ishan Kishan’s return to the playing XI meant another opportunity for the youngster did not materialise.
India made two changes for the series finale, both involving bowlers, while retaining their established batting combination.
Gambhir maintained that selection decisions would prioritise the team’s overall requirements over individual expectations.