Former India captain Kris Srikkanth criticizes Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir for their handling of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during recent T20I tours. Read more on
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has voiced strong criticism regarding the handling of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the recent T20I tours of Ireland and England. Srikkanth specifically targeted captain Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir, questioning their approach to managing young talent.
Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old batter, was part of the squad for both T20I series but did not feature in any matches during the Ireland tour. He was subsequently included in the playing XI for the series against England after Sanju Samson experienced a period of low scores. However, after playing only three matches, Sooryavanshi was dropped again for the fifth and final T20I of the series.
Concerns over player management
Srikkanth expressed his dissatisfaction with Iyer’s explanation for the team change, which was given at the toss before the final T20I. Iyer had stated, “I feel this is the time we need to try what’s the best going forward for us as a team. So based on that, we decided this.” This remark did not sit well with Srikkanth, who later commented on his YouTube channel, “I was so upset with the interview after the toss.”
The former captain questioned the team’s strategy for developing young players, suggesting that a consistent standard should be applied to everyone within the team setup. He argued that if players are to be dropped based on performance, the same criteria should extend to the leadership group, including Gambhir and the captain himself. Srikkanth challenged Iyer’s performance in light of his comments about other players.
Sooryavanshi was brought into the team after Sanju Samson, who had been named Player of the Tournament at the recent T20 World Cup, failed to score significantly in three consecutive innings. During his three appearances, Sooryavanshi recorded scores of 14 in Manchester, 13 in Nottingham, and 15 in Bristol. He was then left out of the final match of the series.
Srikkanth specifically asked, “What wrong did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi do? Is this how you groom young players?” He highlighted the importance of backing young talent to build their confidence, drawing a parallel to his own experience as captain when he gave a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar his international debut during the 1989 tour of Pakistan. Srikkanth recalled telling Tendulkar at the time that he would not be dropped during that tour, encouraging him to play without fear.
According to Srikkanth, the current leadership should have shown similar faith in Sooryavanshi instead of removing him from the squad after just three matches. He stated, “Should Gambhir and Shreyas not give Sooryavanshi that kind of confidence? It’s not fair. I am very upset with the way they are treating Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.”
Impact on the team’s performance
The decision to include and then drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has generated discussion, particularly given the team’s overall performance during the UK tour. India experienced a disappointing run, losing both T20I series. They were defeated 0-2 by Ireland and subsequently swept 0-4 by England in the T20I series. The final match against England in Southampton saw India suffer a 56-run defeat, with England posting a total of 257, largely due to captain Jos Buttler’s 131.
Sooryavanshi had earned his place in the Indian squad following a successful IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, where he became the youngest Orange Cap winner after scoring 776 runs. Despite his domestic success, he was unable to make a significant impact in his brief international appearances, and was dismissed twice by England pacer Jofra Archer during the series.
The team management has also faced scrutiny for frequently altering its opening combination. Samson was dropped after three matches despite his recent T20 World Cup accolade, and Sooryavanshi was not given an extended opportunity after his international debut. Samson was reinstated into the playing XI for the fifth T20I against England, where he scored a quick 14-ball 27.
Srikkanth’s comments underscore a broader concern about how young players are integrated and supported at the international level, particularly in high-pressure situations. He emphasized that the manner in which a young team is formed and players are treated is crucial for their development and confidence. The former India captain’s remarks highlight the importance of consistent player management and clear communication within the team.
The controversy surrounding Sooryavanshi’s selection and subsequent dropping adds to the discussions following India’s winless UK tour in 2026.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
