Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impresses in nets as selection debate continues

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi drew attention during India's optional practice session in Ranchi on Thursday with a series of powerful hits. The Bihar batter repeatedly cleared the boundary while waiting for his chance in the T20I side.

India retained the same XI for the second T20I against West Indies, keeping Sooryavanshi on the bench. Sanju Samson kept his place at the top of the order despite recent criticism. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the team had not finalised its XI but indicated the same side was likely to play.

Sooryavanshi has impressed in the IPL and at India A level, where he scored the fastest List A fifty off 11 balls earlier this year. Former players including Dilip Vengsarkar and Chandrakant Pandit have urged the team to back his talent.