India's cricket team management has come under fire from fans after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was omitted from the playing XI for a match in Hamilton, New Zealand. The decision drew criticism as fellow batters Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson failed to make an impact in the game.
The match, played on November 1, 2026, saw India's top order struggle, prompting questions about selection policies. Sooryavanshi, who has been in and out of the side, was left out once again, leading to frustration among supporters who believe he deserves a consistent run.
Sharma and Samson's dismissals early in the innings compounded the team's woes, with neither able to convert their starts into substantial scores. The result has intensified debate over the team's batting strategy and the handling of young talent.
