Perfect pairing? Why India must stick with Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

India's T20I series victory over New Zealand has brought a new question to the forefront: what will be the structure of India's batting lineup two years from now, as the 2028 T20 World Cup approaches in Australia and New Zealand? Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 45 off 19 balls in Wellington has only added to the team's selection dilemma.

Given an opportunity after Ishan Kishan's injury, Sooryavanshi initially struggled at No. 3 but excelled when moved up to open alongside Abhishek Sharma. Their combined 133-run stand, scored in just seven overs, was a vital factor in India's performance. The duo's fearless approach also highlighted a new generation of T20 batters who view every ball as an opportunity to score.

Sanju Samson, who willingly moved down to No. 3 to accommodate Sooryavanshi, has formed a productive opening partnership with Abhishek, scoring 1,166 runs in 37 matches. The Indian team, under coach Gautam Gambhir, appears to embrace flexibility, unlike previous eras where players were tied to specific positions. This flexibility may be crucial in determining how effectively all four batters can feature in the playing XI, with Kishan's adaptability playing a significant role.