Key Takeaways
- India coach Gautam Gambhir says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must wait for his chance.
- Sooryavanshi made his international debut against England in July but struggled.
- He will travel to Nagoya for India’s Asian Games campaign starting Tuesday.
India coach Gautam Gambhir has advised young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be patient as he awaits his chance to break into the national team. Sooryavanshi, who was the highest scorer in this year’s Indian Premier League, made his international debut against England in July but failed to make an impact in the T20 series against Afghanistan.
In a recent match, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson opened the batting for India, with Abhishek scoring the third-fastest century in T20 internationals. Sooryavanshi, who was expected to feature prominently, was left on the sidelines.
Gambhir, speaking to reporters after the match, emphasized the need for Sooryavanshi to wait for his opportunity. 'Whether you’re a 15-year-old or a 30-year-old, when you have to wait for your opportunity you have to wait for your opportunity,' he said. 'We know the kind of talent he has and what he can do, but someone who has been performing for the last two to three years will always be ahead of someone who has just entered the team.'
Sooryavanshi’s performance in the Indian Premier League was impressive, as he was the highest scorer. However, he has not played for India since his debut. In a recent series against Zimbabwe, he scored two fifties but still could not secure a place in the national team.
Despite the setback, Sooryavanshi will travel to Nagoya for India’s Asian Games campaign, which begins on Tuesday. A one-off T20 match against hosts Japan is scheduled for Tuesday, followed by the Asiad quarter-final on September 28.
Gambhir expressed confidence in Sooryavanshi’s potential, stating, 'Whenever he gets his run, he will get a longer run as well … we want competition and talent in the dressing room.'
The young batter’s journey with the national team is far from over, and his coach believes that with time and consistent performance, he will eventually earn his place in the side.
Whether you’re a 15-year-old or a 30-year-old, when you have to wait for your opportunity you have to wait for your opportunity.
Gautam Gambhir, India coach
Whenever he gets his run, he will get a longer run as well … we want competition and talent in the dressing room.
Gautam Gambhir, India coach
