“We are creating confusion without reason” - R Ashwin’s huge statement on Vaibhav Suryavanshi amid NZ vs IND 2026 T20Is

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin opined on the chaos surrounding Vaibhav Suryavanshi and the playing XI. The youngster continued to be part of the side in Ishan Kishan's absence in the third T20I.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi was promoted to open the batting with Abhishek Sharma and grabbed his opportunity, smacking a 19-ball 45. His brilliant knock has raised a question regarding the playing XI when Ishan Kishan recovers from injury. However, Ashwin put an end to the question with a blunt remark that the 15-year-old is not the first choice pick.

That said, Ashwin also lauded the management for playing Sanju Samson at three and opening with Vaibhav, reckoning it was the right decision in Kishan's absence.

"I think we are creating confusion without reason. It is very clear. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not the first choice pick in the XI. Sanju and Abhishek will be at the top. But I really like what they did in this game. For a particular game, you need to pick the right order with the XI you have. Till Ishan is not there, your best option is Samson for the number three role. He has that experience. Till Ishan comes back, this is the right option," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

In the same video, former India cricketer Rahul Sharma also opined that Vaibhav Suryavanshi was best suited to open the batting. In fact, he even suggested that Vaibhav and Abhishek should open in the 2028 T20 World Cup.

"I feel Vaibhav Suryavanshi best fits in the opening position. He showed what he can do in the IPL from the very first ball. I am not at all surprised by how he is playing. I feel they will back him. Maybe they will look to make him open with Abhishek in the T20 World Cup and hence took this chance. You will have to give that to him."

India chased down 199 runs in just 13.2 overs in the third T20I. Notably, Abhishek and Vaibhav set up the chase with a 133-run stand at the top in just 7.1 overs. Their blistering partnership completely put New Zealand out of the game.

Rahul Sharma backs Vaibhav Suryavanshi to play the remainder of the series

With just two more games to go in the T20I series, Rahul Sharma reckoned that Vaibhav Suryavanshi must play both matches if Ishan Kishan fails to completely recover. He added that players like Kuldeep Yadav must also get a chance as India have already pocketed the series.

"If Ishan is not fit, you have the chance to give Vaibhav two more chances, as you have already won the series. There is a headache, but I feel this is a good headache. I see Kuldeep also sitting out, and I am shocked. He is the best spinner in the country right now," he said.

The Men in Blue won the third T20I by six wickets to seal the series 3-0. It is Shreyas Iyer's first overseas series victory as captain of the Indian T20I side in SENA countries.

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