New Delhi: India once again left out Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from their playing XI for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, even though the series was a dead rubber with the hosts holding an unassailable 3-1 lead. The 14-year-old batter, who played in only two matches during the series, was overlooked as the team chose to maintain their established batting order.
India made two alterations to their playing lineup for the final fixture, both involving the bowling attack, but chose not to provide Sooryavanshi with another chance. Head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed his selection strategy prior to the match, asserting that his primary duty is to enforce the correct choices rather than cater to public popularity.
Gambhir told the broadcaster before the game that his job is not about pleasing everyone, but rather making proper decisions, noting that taking the popular route is easy while team priorities and dressing room security remain paramount.
The head coach mentioned the depth of talent within the Indian squad, emphasizing that players who have maintained consistent performances over extended periods merit a prolonged opportunity in the team. Sooryavanshi had originally entered the series as an opening option, gaining chances only after Ishan Kishan suffered a groin injury. After posting a low score in his debut appearance, the teenager scored 45 runs in the third T20I during a record-breaking powerplay partnership alongside Abhishek Sharma, but returned to the bench once Kishan recovered.
India fielded a full-strength batting lineup for the finale featuring Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, captain Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Naman Dhir, alongside bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Gambhir maintained that overall team interests will continue to drive selection choices over outside expectations.