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India's National Cricket Team’s decision to send Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at number three in the second T20I against New Zealand has received massive backlash from former cricketers and fans. However, Mohammad Kaif backed the team management and Gautam Gambhir’s call.
The 15-year-old batting sensation got an opportunity after Ishan Kishan was ruled out through injury, but India decided against disturbing the opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. However, the move backfired as Vaibhav could face only 8 balls for 4 runs at Hagley Oval.
Mohammad Kaif backs India's call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after 2nd IND vs NZ
Mohammad Kaif believes that India's decision to play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at number three was based on keeping the batting order stable rather than making changes for one player.
The former Indian batter has pointed out that had Vaibhav opened the innings, India might have needed to rearrange the lineup again when Kishan returned to the playing XI. Earlier, R Ashwin questioned India's decision to bat Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at No. 3.
Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel, "Number three is also not his natural spot. But I feel it was the right call. If you open with him and break the in-form pair of Abhishek and Samson, and then with Ishan coming back, you will have to shuffle a lot then. There will be a lot of shuffling. But by sending him at three, they did not change the batting order, which was the right decision.”
Mohammad Kaif defends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after No.3 setback
The cricket pandit also pointed out that Sooryavanshi had a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign, where he won the Orange Cap a few months ago. However, the left-hander had a tough time in England but made a big impact on the Zimbabwe tour.
And Kaif feels Vaibhav should not be judged based on his one poor outing in New Zealand, as it was a big challenge for him to bat at number three. He believes that the Indian team needs to give Sooryavanshi more opportunities before judging his performance.
The cricket pandit further added, “It will be unfair if we judge Vaibhav by an innings or two right now, given the phase he is going through. He won the Orange Cap a few months ago in the IPL. He was in great form but had to wait for a spot. For someone who is not used to waiting, who has been playing regularly, it has been stop-and-start.”
Mohammad Kaif sends clear message to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi over batting flexibility
Kaif also stressed that players must be ready to bat at different positions in T20 cricket, as teams often need their batters to adjust according to the situation, and Naman Dhir is one example of a player who can offer that flexibility.
He reiterated that India made a sensible choice by keeping the existing combination intact, as changing the batting order for Sooryavanshi could have created further problems.
Kaif signed off by saying, “This is a format where a lot of players adjust, even in different positions. Take Naman Dhir itself. That flexibility has to be there. I am sure it would have been tough after not playing and going directly to number three. But thinking from the management's perspective, if Ishan is fit, he comes back at three. So, it was definitely the right call. We have to see what Vaibhav can do when he gets more chances.”
