“A 15-year-old kid should only be given that much pressure” – Former KKR batter on Vaibhav Suryavanshi opening in 3rd NZ vs IND 2026 T20I

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra credited the Indian team management for opening the batting with Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the third T20I against New Zealand. Chopra opined that a 15-year-old must not be put under too much pressure in international cricket and should be allowed to bat at his preferred position.

In Ishan Kishan’s absence for the second match in a row, India retained Suryavanshi in the playing XI in Wellington. However, unlike in the previous match, where he batted at No. 3, this time he opened the batting with Abhishek Sharma. The duo added 133 in 43 balls, with Suryavanshi contributing 45 off 19.

Speaking to Cricinfo, Chopra backed the Indian team management’s decision to split the successful opening pair of Abhishek and Sanju Samson to accommodate Suryavanshi in one of the opener’s slots. He said:

“I personally felt, because I was advocating that if you’re going to play Vaibhav Suryavanshi, you must make a place for him as an opener. Obviously while playing international cricket, you don’t want to talk about age, but he’s 15. A 15-year-old kid should only be given that much pressure to handle. International cricket is already a lot of pressure.

“So if anybody has to move around in the batting order, it should be the other people. I mean, it should be Abhishek, Sanju Samson, or Ishan Kishan, or whoever else. If I’m going to play a 15-year-old kid at this level, I will give him the spot that he’s most comfortable at, and that is opening for Vaibhav Suryavanshi,” Chopra added.

Suryavanshi hit four fours and as many sixes in his blazing knock in Wellington on Tuesday. As for Abhishek, he struck nine fours and 11 sixes in his 113 off 38 balls.

“It’s going to be a tough call” – Chopra on No. 3 conundrum with Vaibhav Suryavanshi opening

During the same discussion, Chopra admitted that, when Suryavanshi opens the batting, the No. 3 spot will turn into a matter of big debate. Samson batted at No. 3 on Tuesday. However, Kishan has done an excellent job at the same position. Chopra commented:

“So I think this is where he belongs. Yes, it’s going to be a tough call. Who bats at three? What happens when Ishan Kishan comes in? Okay, that’s a discussion for another day. But Vaibhav, whenever he plays, he must open.”

Meanwhile, the fourth T20I of the New Zealand-India series will be played in Auckland on October 30.

Edited by Renin Wilben Albert