India head coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to bide his time before breaking into the national side. Sooryavanshi was left on the sidelines throughout India's three-match T20 series sweep against Afghanistan, prompting questions about the young batter's immediate future.

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson formed the opening partnership during the series, with Abhishek smashing the third-fastest century in T20 internationals during Thursday's 127-run victory in New Delhi. Their performances have cemented their places at the top of the order, leaving little room for the teenage sensation.

Sooryavanshi, who was the highest run-scorer in this year's Indian Premier League, made his international debut against England in July but failed to make an impact as the hosts dominated the series. He later scored two fifties against Zimbabwe in Harare that same month but has not featured for India since.

"Whether you're a 15-year-old or a 30-year-old, when you have to wait for your opportunity, you have to wait for your opportunity," Gambhir told reporters after the match. "We know the kind of talent he has and what he can do, but someone who has been performing for the last two to three years will always be ahead of someone who has just entered the team."

Sooryavanshi will travel to Nagoya for India's Asian Games campaign, with a one-off T20 against hosts Japan scheduled for Tuesday before the Asiad quarterfinal on September 28. The tournament presents a crucial opportunity for the youngster to showcase his abilities on a major stage.

"Whenever he gets his run, he will get a longer run as well … We want competition and talent in the dressing room," Gambhir added, hinting that the team management is carefully managing the teenager's development rather than rushing him into the senior setup.

Source: www.aljazeera.com