28 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) India’s decision to restore Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to his familiar opening position paid immediate dividends in the third T20I against New Zealand. The 15-year-old batter smashed 45 runs off just 19 deliveries, helping India complete a six-wicket victory in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27, and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Former India batter Sadagopan Ramesh described the decision to send Sooryavanshi back to open as a “chocolate” from the team management. The remark referred to the confidence and freedom the youngster appeared to gain from returning to his preferred batting position.
Why Sooryavanshi received the ‘chocolate’
Sooryavanshi had batted at No. 3 in the second T20I against New Zealand, scoring just four runs off eight balls. He was moved into that position as cover for the injured Ishan Kishan.
For the third match, the team management restored him to the opening slot alongside Abhishek Sharma. The change proved effective as Sooryavanshi attacked from the beginning, scoring four boundaries and four sixes in his 19-ball innings.
Speaking about the teenager’s return to the top of the order, Ramesh said that Sooryavanshi had received a “chocolate” from the team management by being allowed to open again.
He compared the batter’s freedom at the crease to that of a young boy who is relaxed on a Friday evening, knowing that the next two days are holidays. The former India opener’s observation highlighted how a familiar role can help a young player approach the game with confidence.
The comments also underlined the importance of understanding a player’s strengths rather than judging performance only by the scorecard of a single match.
Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma destroy New Zealand’s bowling
While Sooryavanshi provided an aggressive start, Abhishek Sharma produced an even bigger innings. The left-handed batter smashed 113 runs off just 38 balls, including nine fours and 11 sixes, earning the Player of the Match award.
Together, the opening pair added 133 runs in just over seven overs, putting India firmly in control of the chase. Their rapid scoring left New Zealand struggling to find a way to contain the attack.
Sooryavanshi’s strike rate of 236.84 reflected the intensity of his innings. Although he fell short of a half-century, his contribution helped establish the platform for India’s successful pursuit of the target.
Ramesh also praised Abhishek, saying that bowlers could feel the pressure of facing him even before he arrived at the crease. He described the batter’s performance as extraordinary and pointed to the remarkable scoring rate of the opening partnership.
The pair’s display turned what could have been a challenging chase into a one-sided contest.
India chase down 199 in just 13.2 overs
New Zealand had posted 198 for three in their allotted 20 overs, setting India a target of 199. However, the home side’s total proved insufficient against the visitors’ explosive start.
India reached 199 for four in 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets with plenty of deliveries remaining. The result gave India a 3-0 lead and secured the series with two matches still to play.
The victory followed two earlier wins in the series and further strengthened India’s position in the contest. The third match was particularly notable for the speed of the chase and the dominance of the opening partnership.
India captain Shreyas Iyer also praised the batting display, describing the performances of Abhishek and Sooryavanshi as outstanding during the post-match presentation.
A crucial opportunity for a young batter
Sooryavanshi’s performance offered a reminder of how important role clarity can be for emerging players. At just 15, he is still developing his game at the highest level, and the opportunity to return to opening allowed him to play aggressively in a position he knows well.
His brief innings at No. 3 in the previous match did not produce a major score, but the team management’s decision to restore him to the top of the order gave him another opportunity to make an impact.
Ramesh’s “chocolate” comment captured that change in circumstances in a light-hearted way. Rather than suggesting a literal gift, the phrase referred to the boost a young player can receive when the team backs him in his preferred role.
The innings does not guarantee that every future performance will be equally successful, but it gives the youngster valuable experience in an international series.
India look to continue their dominance
The series victory is significant for India as they continue to assess combinations and give players opportunities in different roles. With the five-match contest already decided, the remaining games provide another chance to evaluate the team’s batting approach and consistency.
The fourth T20I is scheduled to take place in Auckland on October 30, followed by the fifth match on November 1 in Hamilton.
For Sooryavanshi, the immediate takeaway is clear: a return to the opening position produced an aggressive and effective innings. For India, the performance showcased the potential of an attacking opening combination, while Ramesh’s comments brought attention to the confidence that can come from giving young players a familiar role.