Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel has weighed in on the controversial selection of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in India's T20 squad at the expense of Sanju Samson, calling it an emotionally driven decision that defies logic. Speaking on JioStar, Patel acknowledged that while giving the prodigy a chance was emotionally justified, dropping Samson—who was the player of the tournament in the recent T20 World Cup—cannot be explained rationally.
Sanju Samson's Omission: A Recurring Question
Patel highlighted that inconsistency has always been a knock against Samson during his 11-12-year career. However, he argued that the current exclusion is particularly hard to justify given Samson's recent form. "Why is it always Sanju Samson who misses out?" Patel asked, noting that decisions cannot be based on both emotion and logic simultaneously. "Emotionally, yes, it was the right call to give Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a chance. But if you go purely by logic, then why has Sanju Samson been left out? So, I think this decision was taken emotionally."
Sooryavanshi's Selection and Performance
Sooryavanshi, 15, was drafted into the team after Samson failed to score in three consecutive matches. However, the young batter has yet to make a significant impact. India have already conceded the T20 series 0-3 to England, with the fifth and final match scheduled for Saturday. Patel observed that there is always a perception that the omitted player would have performed better, citing the example of Shreyas Iyer's absence during the last T20 World Cup, where fans clamored for his inclusion. Now that Iyer is back, similar calls are being made for Rajat Patidar.
Impact Player Rule Hindering All-Rounder Development
Patel also criticized the IPL's Impact Player rule, asserting that it has stunted the development of quality all-rounders in Indian cricket. He noted that for a decade, India has been waiting for replacements for Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah without success. "The biggest reason behind that is the IPL's Impact Player rule," Patel said. "India will not be able to find the all-rounder they are looking for until the Impact Player rule is removed from the IPL." He clarified that Bumrah's case is different, but the rule directly hampers all-rounder growth.
Lack of Planning in England Tour
Patel raised concerns about India's batting strategy during the England tour. He praised the team's improved intent since 2022 but pointed to poor shot selection as a key failure. "Ishan Kishan plays the short ball very well. Whenever Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was bowled short in the IPL, he went after it, and Abhishek Sharma can play short balls as well. But the thing is, if the ball isn't there to play the pull shot, then you simply can't play it," Patel explained. He attributed the issue to a lack of planning, stating that England have been superior in both planning and execution.
Patel's comments underscore the ongoing debate around team selection and player development in Indian cricket, as the team faces a series defeat and questions about its future composition.
