Gambhir defends selection approach amid Sooryavanshi debate

India head coach Gautam Gambhir said his selection decisions would be guided by what he considers best for the team, rather than by public opinion, as debate continued over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s limited opportunities. Gambhir made the remarks ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand, with India already leading the five-match series 3-0. Gambhir said his role also included providing security within the dressing room. He argued that players who had performed well over a longer period deserved an extended opportunity, explaining why he would not make selections simply to satisfy outside expectations. The discussion around Sooryavanshi followed his appearances in two T20Is against New Zealand. He was left out of the fourth match when Ishan Kishan returned from injury, according to one account. That report described the game as a dead rubber after India had secured the series. Gambhir said he did not view international matches as inconsequential, adding that each was an opportunity for players to learn and improve. Sooryavanshi had scored 49 runs across his two New Zealand appearances, including 45 off 19 balls in the third T20I, one report said. Another account said he had...