Dinesh Karthik backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, asks India to drop this player

Former India keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has weighed in on the ongoing five-match T20I series, publicly backing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and proposing that Abhishek Sharma be dropped to fit the youngster into the playing XI for the remaining match. The comments add fuel to a growing selection debate as India seeks to finalise its balance ahead of the decisive game. Sharma, who has been opening, is seen as the incumbent whose position would be at risk if Sooryavanshi is brought into the top or another suitable slot. Karthik’s take underscores the pressure on the team to evaluate emerging talent while maintaining competitiveness in a tight series. The report notes that the suggestion comes in the context of team management evaluating options and testing depth in a format where big moments demand consistent performances. Whether Sooryavanshi will receive a debut or a chance to feature in the final game remains unclear, with selectors and captaincy decisions likely to weigh current form, match conditions, and strategic fit. The piece reflects ongoing conversations about talent pipelines in India’s limited-overs setup and how veteran voices influence public discourse around squad selection during an ongoing series. The outcome of the remaining match will also shape perceptions about future selections and the role of experimentations in maintaining India’s edge.