Questions raised over Vaibhav Suryavanshi's batting position as Karthik, Ashwin criticise team management

The Indian team is currently on a tour of New Zealand, where a five-match T20 series is being played. India lead 2-0 after winning the first two matches, and the third match is to be played tomorrow. Questions have now begun to be raised over Vaibhav Suryavanshi's place in the batting order.

Ishan Kishan was injured during the second T20. In his place, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a young and aggressive batter of just 15, got a chance in India's playing XI. However, Vaibhav came in to bat at No 3 and was dismissed after scoring only 4 runs. India won the match, but the question of which position he should play in has now come up.

In a special discussion after the match, former India cricketer and expert Murali Karthik and veteran spinner R Ashwin strongly objected to the management's decisions on the batting order. Ajinkya Rahane and Ajay Jadeja were also present in the discussion.

Murali Karthik said Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a talented young player who has so far batted only as an opener. According to him, senior and experienced players are in the side so that they can change their roles or batting positions on the strength of their experience when needed. India won, he said, but that is a separate matter; if Suryavanshi was to be played, he should have been played as an opener.

Karthik also said, "An experienced and seasoned player like Sanju Samson is fully capable of batting at different positions. So it was expected that the management would make a change in the batting order. Vaibhav Suryavanshi should have been played as an opener."

The third T20 between India and New Zealand is to be played tomorrow. Ishan Kishan is also unlikely to play tomorrow's match. It will therefore be seen whether Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Kumar Kushagra gets the chance, and if Vaibhav is picked, whether he will open or bat again at No 3. That too will become clear tomorrow.