​’Is the 15-year-old kid playing?’: Ravi Shastri reveals NZ fans’ query, warns India against benching Vaibhav Sooryavanshi originally appeared on Cricket News.
Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Vaibhav Sooryavanshi missed a sixth straight India game as he was benched again by Gautam Gambhir. Ravi Shastri warned against benching him, and Mitchell Santner admitted New Zealand have plans.Samson and Abhishek kept their opening slots after helping India win the T20 World Cup.Ravi Shastri urges Team India to end Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s wait for a return to the playing XIRavi Shastri says even New Zealand supporters are asking whether the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will play, and the former India coach has warned the team against keeping him on the sidelines for too long after Gautam Gambhir left the teenager out for the first T20I against New Zealand, which has stirred a fresh debate over the team’s selection.The omission was the sixth consecutive match in which Sooryavanshi did not make the playing XI, and many were quick to criticise head coach Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer.India chose to retain their established opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, both of whom played key roles in the T20 World Cup 2026 triumph earlier this year. And on Thursday evening in Christchurch, those two delivered again as India raced to 94 in the powerplay while chasing a mammoth 226. MORE: IND vs NZ 1st T20I 2026 result, highlights and scorecard as Sanju Samson & Naman Dhir set up a 4-wicket winSooryavanshi earned his place in the national set-up through a record-breaking IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. Although he had an impressive Zimbabwe trip, he has struggled to earn a spot in the starting XI against West Indies, and his wait coninues against New Zealand as well. Shastri revealed that a chance encounter with local supporters had shown him how much interest the teenager has generated in New Zealand. He suggested that India risk damaging a young talent’s rhythm if they keep him waiting too long.While commentating on Sony, Shastri said: “I was walking down the river yesterday, and a few Kiwi fans asked me, ‘Is the 15-year-old kid playing tomorrow?’. He’s warmed the bench long enough; you don’t wanna lose his form.”MORE: Highest successful run chases in all T20 cricket at Hagley Oval, Christchurch BCCI/Creimas Mitchell Santner on Sooryavanshi: New Zealand know how dangerous the teenager isNew Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was bound to be asked about the youngster and the threat he carries before the series kick-off. Santner, who followed India’s recent T20I assignment against the West Indies closely, said his teammates are already well aware of Sooryavanshi’s ability.Santner told reporters: “Looking at India’s squad and their last series, obviously he didn’t play, but we have seen firsthand how good he is.”He then pointed out that the establi