“That probably looks like the perfect order” – R Ashwin on Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s batting position in NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

Former India player Ravichandran Ashwin has opined that opening is Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s ideal batting position when Ishan Kishan is not part of the team. However, he added that the destructive opener would have to make way for Sanju Samson at the top of the order once Kishan is fit and available.

India restricted New Zealand to 198/3 in the third T20I in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27. Suryavanshi, who opened with Abhishek Sharma, then smashed 45 runs off 19 balls as the visitors achieved the target with six wickets and 40 balls to spare.

Reviewing the game on SonyLIV, Ashwin praised Suryavanshi for playing a blazing knock as an opener in the third T20I, but noted that he would have to cede his position to Samson once Kishan returns.

“The way Vaibhav Suryavanshi just took off was something that he has done all IPL. For me, he is and will always be a very special player. I look forward to seeing him do very many special things in his career,” the legendary spinner said.

“In this combination, when Ishan Kishan is missing and Vaibhav has to come, that probably looks like the perfect order because Sanju has got the experience to be able to deal with going in at No. 3. However, tomorrow if Ishan Kishan is going to come back, I think Vaibhav heads out and Sanju slots right back into the slot he deserves,” he added.

Ishan Kishan missed the second and third T20Is against New Zealand due to a groin injury. Vaibhav Suryavanshi replaced him in the XI and was promoted to the top of the order in the third T20I after scoring an eight-ball four at No. 3 in the second game.

“We all need to take that backward step and allow him to enjoy his cricket” – R Ashwin on Vaibhav Suryavanshi after NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

On the same show, Ravichandran Ashwin was asked whether one can say Vaibhav Suryavanshi is meant for it after playing a blazing knock in overseas conditions in the third T20I against New Zealand.

“These are all big statements to make so early in his life. I really hope that the young boy gets that breathing space. I know he is going to be the poster boy of Indian cricket at some stage, but we all need to take that backward step and allow him to enjoy his cricket,” he responded.

While acknowledging that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener is a talent to watch out for, the cricketer-turned-commentator added that the 15-year-old should be allowed to enjoy his cricket.

“I have played cricket from a very young age, and at 16, I was enjoying cricket in the maidans in some club grounds in Chennai. That’s what a 16-year-old is supposed to do. He did something spectacular today (Tuesday). I won’t jump to any conclusions. He is a talent to watch out for. Let him enjoy his cricket, and let’s also enjoy watching him bat,” Ashwin observed.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi struck four fours and as many sixes during his 45-run knock. He added 133 runs for the first wicket with Abhishek Sharma in just 7.1 overs, with the latter smashing a 38-ball 113.

Edited by Kartik Iyer