Shreyas Iyer explains why Vaibhav Suryavanshi sat out the West Indies T20I series

Young opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi did not get to play a single match in the five-match T20 series between India and West Indies. Why he was not given a chance had become a topic of discussion. India captain Shreyas Iyer has now given the reason himself.

The fifth T20 was washed out by rain in Bengaluru. Shreyas then spoke to reporters. Among the several subjects he addressed, he also commented on Vaibhav not getting a chance in the series. He said Vaibhav was not picked because Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan have been performing consistently well in the top three.

Shreyas said: "I know what is going on in Vaibhav's head, especially after a tremendous IPL season. But sometimes you have to sit on the bench and wait. We have two outstanding openers and they are scoring runs consistently."

He added: "All I have been telling him is that he will get his chance. Samson and Abhishek have won the World Cup for us. They are scoring runs consistently. If you stay consistent in your process, and your mindset is not yet mature, then do not think too much about getting a chance for now."

Vaibhav made his debut for the senior Indian team against England in Manchester on 4 July. His performance in the three matches of that series was ordinary. In the T20 series against Zimbabwe, however, he did well. He scored 151 runs in three matches, including two half-centuries, and was named player of the series.

He did not get a chance in the series against Afghanistan. At the Asian Games, he scored 38 off 21 balls against Sri Lanka and 15 off 9 balls against Pakistan in the final. That was his last match, and he has been waiting for the next opportunity since.

Vaibhav will now travel with the Indian team to New Zealand for a five-match T20 series. The series begins on 22 October. It remains to be seen whether Vaibhav gets to play against the Kiwis.