India coach Gautam Gambhir advised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be patient as he awaits his opportunity to play after being sidelined during the recent three-match Twenty20 series against Afghanistan. Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricketer, has been waiting for his chance while Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson opened for India in the series. Sharma notably scored the third-fastest century in T20 internationals during a match in New Delhi, contributing to India's 127-run victory.
Sooryavanshi, who was the highest scorer in this year's Indian Premier League, made his international debut against England in July but did not perform significantly in the T20 series against them. He did score two fifties against Zimbabwe later that month but has not played for India since.
Gambhir stated, "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 emphasized that players who have consistently performed over the past few years will have an advantage over newer entrants.
Sooryavanshi is set to travel to Nagoya for India's Asian Games campaign, with a T20 match against Japan scheduled for Tuesday, followed by the Asiad quarterfinal on September 28. Gambhir expressed confidence in Sooryavanshi's talent, stating, "Whenever he gets his run, he will get a longer run as well … We want competition and talent in the dressing room."