Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel has stated that 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is likely to make his international debut at some point during the ongoing five-match T20I series against England. Speaking on JioStar's 'Game Plan', Patel emphasized the importance of clear communication between the coaching staff and the young player, especially given his age.
Patience and Communication Advised for Young Prodigy
Patel noted that while Sooryavanshi is generating significant hype, the current Indian playing XI is packed with in-form batters. "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 are not going to play him, you have to tell him that. He is a 15-year-old kid, so you need to be very careful with him and advise him to be patient," Patel said.
Stiff Competition for Spots in Top Order
Patel highlighted the strong performances of India's top-order batters, which have made it difficult for Sooryavanshi to break into the starting XI. "There are a lot of players who have also done really well. Sanju Samson was the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan, who is batting at three, is the ICC's No. 1-ranked T20I batter, while Abhishek Sharma is No. 2. At this point, there is no place for Vaibhav in the XI, and that needs to be communicated to him really well," he added.
Team Management Backs Experienced Players
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel also defended the decision to delay Sooryavanshi's debut, stressing the need to back the current group of players. "I think we just need to respect the fact that we've got the number one batter, or we had our number one batter in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju was the player of the World Cup," Morkel told reporters ahead of the second T20I. He acknowledged the excitement around Sooryavanshi but emphasized the importance of showing faith in the existing squad. "I think as a coaching staff, it's only fair to show faith and back your players. Yes, there's a young man knocking on the door, and it's exciting. But I reckon for not just those two players at the top, but for the rest of the group, it's a good sign that we show that we back you guys," Morkel added.
Series Context
India and England are playing the second T20I of the five-match series after the first match was abandoned without a result. India, under new T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer, are seeking their first win after a disappointing 0-2 series whitewash against Ireland. Despite the loss, the team is aiming for a dominant performance in the series.
