India’s opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma stayed locked in for every ball of the four T20Is against the West Indies, leaving 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the sidelines.
Coach Gautam Gambhir stood firm: “Samson showed what he can do. I’d be unfair to drop him now.” He recalled Samson’s Player‑of‑the‑Tournament haul at the World Cup and urged patience for the young talent.
On the 15‑year‑old’s social‑media feed, a single line flashed: “still believing.” The post, timed after the fourth T20I, signals that Sooryavanshi isn’t ready to give up even as the squad prioritises experience.
Gambhir added that Sooryavanshi’s talent is undeniable but the hierarchy still favours those who have proven themselves over years. “When the opportunity comes, he’ll get a longer run,” he said.
With the series hanging on the fifth ODI, India’s focus shifts to the final match; Sooryavanshi’s patience will be tested as the team fights for the series title.