Gautam Gambhir, Shreyas Iyer Advised Not To Rush With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 'Stick With Sanju, Abhishek & Ishan'

Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane reckons that India should stick with the same top three batters who played a crucial role in the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Rahane backed Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as top-order batters despite Sooryavanshi's recent performances in the UK and Zimbabwe tour.

Why should India go with Samson, Abhishek and Ishan?

Rahane, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, feels Sooryavanshi will get a lot of chances in the future. For now, though, he wants India to give Samson another run alongside Abhishek and Ishan.

ALSO READ: Kuldeep Yadav Makes Strong Statement To Gautam Gambhir With First-Ever 10-Wicket Haul In First-Class Cricket

“I feel the top three should be the same that played in the World Cup. Samson has done well, but he got dropped after two or three bad innings. I want him to get another chance. Abhishek and Ishan also did well for us. Vaibhav will get his opportunities, and his time will come. But for now, I feel the top three should be Samson, Abhishek, and Ishan, who were our contributors in the World Cup,” he said in a video on his Hindi YouTube channel.

Rahane also backed the BCCI's decision to include Samson back in the squad after he was dropped from the side during their last assignment against Zimbabwe.

“I am happy to see Sanju Samson back in the team. He was the ‘Man of the Series’ in the World Cup. It has been up and down, and things were happening to him that were not in his control. But he is a match-winner, and his return strengthens the team.”

Rahane’s Advice For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rahane also advised Sooryavanshi not to change his natural attacking approach. The 15-year-old prodigy has already made a strong impression with his performances in the IPL and domestic cricket. Rahane believes Sooryavanshi should continue playing the way that helped him earn his place in the Indian team.

“I think he should just play his game right now. He should back the game that led him to come into the Indian team. It is a very early stage for him in his career and in international cricket. As of now, there is no need for him to think a lot, and he should be set free. His game will eventually change after two or three years, as much as he keeps playing. It will be important for him to maintain balance. Apart from cricket skills, it is important to stay balanced off the field. That will be a challenge for him,” he said.

Rahane pointed out that Sooryavanshi has already shown consistency across different levels of cricket. He scored regularly in the IPL, performed for India A and also made runs for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy.

“If we talk about cricket skills, we saw how well he batted in the IPL and scored consistently. He scored for India A and also made runs for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. He has shown consistency. The only thing for him will be to stay mentally balanced and stable so that he can continue operating the way he does. Yes, he will have to make some tweaks in his game, but there is time for that.”