Goa, Oct. 25 -- Former India spinner Murali Kartik has questioned the decision to send Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at number three during the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, arguing that the young batter's position in the lineup should reflect his strengths.

Sooryavanshi made his first appearance at number three for India in the match, having previously not batted in that position for the national side. His promotion came after Ishan Kishan, who generally occupies the number three spot, was left out of the playing XI.

The decision attracted attention because several former cricketers and analysts had suggested that Sooryavanshi would be better suited to opening the innings, where he could make the most of his aggressive battin...