India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand will offer another chance for young players to gain valuable international experience. However, teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have to wait longer for a regular place in the playing XI, with visiting captain Shreyas Iyer emphasising the importance of patience and learning.

Sooryavanshi earned his maiden India call-up following a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign. The 15-year-old has since featured in eight of India’s 21 T20I matches played this year. Despite the growing excitement surrounding his potential, competition for the opening slots has made it difficult for him to secure a consistent place in the team.

India already has two established top-order performers in Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Both batters played crucial roles in India’s historic triumph at the 2026 T20 World Cup, making it difficult for the team management to disrupt a successful combination.

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Speaking ahead of the series opener on Wednesday, Shreyas Iyer explained that Sooryavanshi should focus on making the most of his time with the Indian team rather than expecting an immediate opportunity. “It’s important that a talent like him (Sooryavanshi) should always be happy around the dressing room,” Iyer said.

“He is very young, he has more years to get opportunities. It’s not like he can walk in right now, because our openers are scoring consistently, and they have won the World Cup,” he added.

Shreyas Iyer also highlighted the importance of using the New Zealand tour to understand overseas conditions. According to him, the experience could prove invaluable when Sooryavanshi eventually gets his opportunity to represent India in challenging conditions.

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“So, if you see, when he is coming overseas, he will get a fair idea how to play on these particular wickets. Next time, whenever he comes in these conditions, he will be very well-prepared. And he can also instruct the other team members, whoever comes here for the first time,” he said.

With considerable potential and several years ahead of him, Sooryavanshi’s immediate focus will be on learning, adapting and preparing for his next opportunity.