New Delhi, October 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the team management’s decision to send teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at No. 3 in the second T20I against New Zealand, saying the unfamiliar role appeared to restrict the youngster’s natural attacking game.
Sooryavanshi made his first appearance in the series in Christchurch after Ishan Kishan was ruled out due to injury. However, the opportunity proved challenging for the teenager, who managed just four runs off eight deliveries, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma continuing to open the innings.
Speaking during a post-match discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said it was too early to label the youngster’s performance a failure but felt he appeared uncomfortable batting at an unfamiliar position.
“That is a miss. For a young cricketer like Vaibhav, ‘miss’ is too early, I think, to say, but because I have only two options of a hit or a miss, he just found himself a little like a fish out of water. He kept going hard, kept going hard for the eight balls,” Ashwin said.
The former spinner explained that his concern was not simply about Sooryavanshi’s brief innings but also about the challenge of adjusting to a different batting position. Known for his aggressive approach, the youngster struggled to find his timing against New Zealand.
Ashwin suggested that an experienced batter at the other end could have helped Sooryavanshi settle down and adapt to the situation.
“It did not feel like he was ever timing the ball, and that is when you need a senior partner to walk down to him and say, ‘Calm down, just hang in there, look to play close to your body, watch the ball better.’ Sometimes, as a batter, all you need to be told is to watch the ball closer,” he said.
Ashwin added that arriving at the crease during the sixth over was not an ideal situation for Sooryavanshi, given his established batting style and preferred role in the top order.
The former India international also proposed a possible solution to India’s batting-order dilemma, suggesting that Samson could move to No. 3 if the team wants to accommodate all three batters in the playing XI.
“Look, I think they played this combination before, and Sanju had to skip down to number three. If they are going to go with this combination, I am not too sure Vaibhav has got to bat at number three, but it is what it is. Today it was a miss for Vaibhav,” Ashwin said.
India’s approach to the batting order could become an important consideration as the team continues its campaign in the five-match T20I series. With Samson and Abhishek occupying the opening positions, the management will need to determine how best to accommodate Sooryavanshi without forcing him into a role that may not suit his strengths.
Despite the teenager’s struggles, India found considerable encouragement in their middle and lower-middle order during the second T20I. Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir made valuable contributions as India chased down New Zealand’s target of 180.
Ashwin praised the depth and power of India’s batting line-up, particularly the performances of the players in positions six, seven and eight. He singled out Naman Dhir for his ability to attack both fast bowlers and spinners.
“India’s middle order is coming through nicely. That is six, seven, and eight. It looks pretty dangerous. All of them can belt the ball. Naman Dhir is a very good hitter of pace bowling. He is showing that he can really club spinners as well,” Ashwin said.
He also praised Dhir’s composure against New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, noting that hitting a spinner of his calibre with confidence reflected the batter’s ability and temperament.
Ashwin described Tilak Varma’s temperament as impressive, while saying he was still assessing Nitish Kumar Reddy in that regard. However, he stressed that the power available in India’s middle and lower-middle order would pose a significant challenge to opposition teams.
The former spinner’s comments have brought the spotlight back on India’s batting combinations, with the management facing a decision on how to balance the team’s aggressive approach with the need to place young players in roles that allow them to perform at their best.
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