Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is likely to feature in the ongoing T20I series against England, but not in the playing XI for the second match in Manchester. Patel, speaking as a JioStar expert on the show Game Plan, emphasized the importance of communication from the team management in handling the young batter's development.
Patel's Take on Sooryavanshi's Prospects
Patel stated, "I feel Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will definitely get an opportunity at some point in this series. But at this stage, communication is extremely important. When you’re part of the coaching staff, you have to make sure you communicate clearly with the players. Even if you’re not going to play him, you have to tell him that. He’s a 15-year-old kid, so you need to be very careful with him and advise him to be patient."
He added that India already has established top-order options, including Sanju Samson, who was the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup, ICC No.1 T20I batter Ishan Kishan (batting at three), and No.2 Abhishek Sharma. "At this point in time, there isn’t a place for Vaibhav in the XI, and that needs to be communicated to him really well," Patel said.
India's Batting Performance and Samson's Form
Patel also stressed the need for a strong batting performance in the first T20I after the series against Ireland. "The way India’s first two games against Ireland went, it was important for India to produce this kind of batting performance. There were obviously doubts about whether India could adapt to certain conditions and whether they could change their game plan. Looking at those games in Ireland, in my opinion, this innings was necessary for India, where you see a complete batting performance," he said.
On Sanju Samson's dismissal in the first T20I, Patel analyzed the conditions: "The ball was swinging a bit, there was some spongy bounce as well, and it wasn’t coming onto the bat nicely. So, it was very important to be in a decisive position while playing that shot. Sanju Samson was still slightly moving when he played it. The ball stopped a bit, and because of that, he lacked control."
Series Context and Team Dynamics
The ongoing series between India and England has drawn attention to India's batting depth. With the second T20I scheduled in Manchester, the team management faces decisions on balancing youth and experience. Sooryavanshi's inclusion in the squad has generated excitement, but Patel's comments suggest a cautious approach to his debut.
