Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Set For Potential India Return After Shreyas Iyer’s Crucial Third T20I Hint
Iyer hints at Sooryavanshi’s return against Afghanistan
India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has hinted that the team could make changes to its playing combination for the third T20I against Afghanistan, potentially opening the door for young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to feature in the series finale. India have already secured the three-match series with a 2-0 lead, giving the team management an opportunity to assess players who have had limited chances during the tour. Iyer said India would look to maintain an equilibrium while also using the final match to explore different combinations.
The comments came after India secured another victory over Afghanistan and completed their first T20I series win under Iyer's captaincy. The skipper acknowledged that the beginning of his leadership tenure had been difficult, describing the early results as a "tough pill to swallow". Iyer took over as India's T20I captain after Suryakumar Yadav stepped down following India's third T20 World Cup triumph in March. His initial assignments brought difficult results, with India losing an away series against Ireland 0-2 and suffering a 1-4 defeat to England.
The Afghanistan series has provided Iyer with a chance to change that run of results. India’s 2-0 advantage means the final T20I carries less pressure in terms of the series outcome, allowing the captain and team management to experiment with personnel. Iyer indicated that the side would consider its bench strength and try different combinations in the final game. Such a move could give players who have remained on the sidelines an opportunity to make an impact at the international level.
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Among those who could benefit is Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old batter whose rapid emergence has generated considerable attention in Indian cricket. The teenager has been regarded as one of the country's most promising young batting talents and has already made an impact in T20 cricket. His inclusion in India's squad has added another option to the team's batting resources, particularly at the top of the order. A potential debut in the third T20I would give the team an opportunity to assess him in an international setting while also providing valuable experience at the highest level.
Iyer's comments, however, did not confirm that Sooryavanshi would definitely be selected for the final match. The captain's reference to experimenting with combinations only indicates that changes are being considered, with the final XI likely to depend on the team's requirements and individual player workloads. India also have other squad members competing for opportunities, meaning any changes could involve multiple positions rather than being limited to the opening slot.
For Sooryavanshi, the possibility of playing in the third T20I comes as India look to make use of their available resources after taking an unassailable lead. For Iyer, the match offers another opportunity to build confidence in his captaincy and develop a settled combination while maintaining flexibility. The final decision will be known when India announce their playing XI before Thursday's match. If Sooryavanshi is handed his opportunity, the Afghanistan game could mark another significant step in the teenager's rapidly developing international career.
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