Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has questioned the team management's decision to drop young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from the fourth T20I against New Zealand after India had already secured an unassailable 3-0 series lead. Sooryavanshi had previously played in the second and third T20Is following an injury to Ishan Kishan. However, when Kishan recovered and returned to take over wicketkeeping duties, the youngster was left out of the fourth match, which India ultimately lost by 87 runs in Auckland.
Kaif expressed his views on his YouTube channel, stating that dropping a potential superstar after just two opportunities is detrimental to a player's confidence. He argued that since the series was already decided, the fourth match provided an ideal platform to continue grooming Sooryavanshi, drawing comparisons to how the team manages other new players like Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav. Furthermore, Kaif questioned whether Kishan should have been rushed straight back into the playing eleven if he was not fully fit, suggesting that a player with a niggle could have been rested.
Looking ahead, India is scheduled to face New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at Seddon Park on Sunday, holding a 3-1 lead in the series. Following the heavy defeat in the previous fixture, the team management is expected to make adjustments to the playing XI. This upcoming match could provide another opportunity for Sooryavanshi to return to the side and impress, potentially replacing Sanju Samson, who has struggled for runs in recent innings after scoring 67 in the opening game.
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