India star Sooryavanshi urged to be patient by coach Gambhir

India coach Gautam Gambhir asked Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to wait for his opportunity after the batter did not feature in India's recent three-match T20 series against Afghanistan. Gambhir said players who have been performing consistently over the past two to three years will remain ahead of those who have only recently entered the team, and urged Sooryavanshi to be patient regardless of age.

In the series, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson opened for India. Abhishek produced a standout innings, recording the third-fastest century in T20 international cricket during India's 127-run win in New Delhi. Sooryavanshi, who was the highest scorer in this year’s Indian Premier League, made his international debut against England in July but did not make an impact in that series.

Sooryavanshi had two half-centuries against Zimbabwe in Harare later in July but has not featured for India since. Gambhir stressed that when Sooryavanshi does get an extended run, the team management will give him a longer opportunity, adding that the side values competition and talent within the dressing room.

On the immediate horizon, Sooryavanshi is part of the squad travelling to Nagoya for India’s Asian Games campaign. India have a one-off T20 against hosts Japan scheduled for Tuesday ahead of the Asiad quarter-final on September 28.