‘Will you play him only when someone is injured?’ – Aakash Chopra questions Indian team management after Sooryavanshi’s snub in Auckland

Former India batter Aakash Chopra questioned the team management's decision to drop young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Auckland on October 30. Sooryavanshi, who replaced the injured Ishan Kishan after the first match and scored 4 and 45 runs across two games, made way once Kishan recovered for the dead-rubber contest.

Chopra argued that the team needs clear communication regarding Sooryavanshi's long-term development pathway instead of playing him only when injuries occur. He suggested the batter should play first-class cricket to face deliveries rather than sit on the bench. India ultimately lost the match, scoring 172 for 9 in reply to New Zealand's 260.