**Title: India Coach Gambhir Urges Patience for Young Talent Sooryavanshi**
**Date: September 18, 2026**
In the wake of India's recent T20 series sweep against Afghanistan, coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the need for patience regarding the inclusion of 15-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the national team. Sooryavanshi, who made headlines earlier this year as the highest scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been sidelined during the series, with established players Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson taking the lead as openers.
Sooryavanshi's journey to the national team began with his debut against England in July, where he struggled to make a significant impact amidst a dominant performance by the English side. Although he managed to score two fifties against Zimbabwe later that month, his recent absence from the lineup has raised questions about his immediate future in the team.
Gambhir, addressing the media after India's victory over Afghanistan, acknowledged Sooryavanshi's talent but reiterated that experience plays a crucial role in team selection. "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 stated. Gambhir underscored that players who have consistently performed over the years will naturally be prioritized over newcomers, regardless of their potential.
The coach's comments come in the context of a successful series for India, where Abhishek Sharma notably scored the third-fastest century in T20 internationals during a commanding 127-run victory in New Delhi. This performance not only highlights the depth of talent currently available to the team but also reinforces the competitive environment that Sooryavanshi must navigate.
Despite being on the sidelines, Sooryavanshi's future remains bright. He is set to travel to Nagoya for India's Asian Games campaign, where the team will face Japan in a one-off T20 match on Tuesday, followed by the quarterfinals scheduled for 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."
As the cricketing landscape continues to evolve, the emphasis on nurturing young talent while balancing experience will be crucial for India's success in upcoming tournaments. Sooryavanshi's patience and perseverance may ultimately define his trajectory within the national team, as he continues to develop his skills and await his opportunity to shine on the international stage.