Young Indian cricket star Vaibhav Suryavanshi is back in the spotlight. The 15-year-old batter has already made his international debut for India on foreign soil, but now he has the chance to step onto the field in the Team India jersey on home turf for the first time. The final match of the three-game T20I series against Afghanistan, being played in Delhi, could prove to be a special occasion for Vaibhav. India has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead by winning the first two matches of the series. Consequently, the team management might consider giving opportunities to certain players in the third and final T20I. Captain Shreyas Iyer had also hinted that, with the series already won, players currently on the bench could be given a chance to play in the final match.
Missed out on the first two matches
For the first two T20Is against Afghanistan, the Indian team selected Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as the opening pair. As a result, Vaibhav Suryavanshi was not included in the playing XI. Sanju Samson strengthened his position by scoring a quick-fire half-century in the second T20I. Given this, the Indian team management might need to alter the opening combination to accommodate Vaibhav in the team.
The Delhi match will be special for Vaibhav
The third T20I against Afghanistan is scheduled to be played on September 17, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. India has already clinched the three-match series. Thus, the final match could be crucial for players who haven't yet had the opportunity to play in the series. This match is particularly significant for Vaibhav because he made his international debut for India on foreign soil; if he is included in the playing XI in Delhi, it will mark his first international match in India.
Already made his international debut against England
Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his T20I debut for India during the tour of England in 2026. Following this, he delivered an outstanding performance during the tour of Zimbabwe, playing a pivotal role in the team's 3-0 series victory. This showing earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the home T20I series against Afghanistan. According to the ICC, all three T20Is against Afghanistan are scheduled to be played in Delhi, and Vaibhav is part of the 15-member Indian squad.
Race for the Opening Slot: Sanju Samson vs. Vaibhav
The Indian team currently has several options for the opening slot. Abhishek Sharma is among the regular choices, while Sanju Samson has also displayed impressive form in T20 cricket recently. Consequently, the decision to include Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the playing XI will depend on the team composition. After the second match of the series, captain Shreyas Iyer hinted that changes might be made for the final game to give players on the bench some match practice.
Opportunity to Play First International Match on Home Soil
If Vaibhav Suryavanshi gets the chance to play in the third T20I against Afghanistan, it will mark his debut in international cricket on Indian soil. This would be another significant milestone in his budding international career. However, his inclusion in the playing XI will ultimately depend on the team management's decision prior to the match. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were entrusted with the opening duties in the first two matches.
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