Former Indian skipper Kris Srikkanth reckons Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a slightly nervous debut after England registered a four-wicket win against India in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester on Saturday. Sooryavanshi was finally given his T20I debut cap and he became the youngest Indian to make his debut in international cricket after Sachin Tendulkar.

However, Sooryavanshi’s debut was not a memorable one as he was dismissed after scoring 14 runs off 10 balls. The prodigy batter was stumped by Jos Buttler on the bowling of Will Jacks. 

Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “To hit Archer’s first ball for such a six is amazing. But I thought it was a slightly nervous debut and it was not the usual Suryavanshi. It was a nervous knock. Even the way he got out to Will Jacks was surprising. But Suryavanshi deserved his place in the 11 as he bulldozed himself into the team.”

The 1983 World Cup-winning player said Sanju Samson should not have been dropped whereas he feels Tilak Varma should have made way for Sooryavanshi.

“They shouldn’t have dropped Sanju Samson. Instead, Tilak Varma should have been dropped. Though Tilak scored in this match, I would have dropped him and have Samson come down the order. Sanju did not deserve to get dropped and it was surely harsh on him. Suryavanshi should have played in the 11 and him making his debut was the right move. But Sanju was unlucky to be the one dropped,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

“It’s not fair on Samson, yet, Suryavanshi scored so much that he had to play in the 11. Tilak had to be the one dropped. He is getting a long rope and playing with no pressure. Because he scored today, they’ll now brand him as the finisher. Tilak should have been dropped but the team management doesn’t have the guts to do that.”

Tilak Varma was able to add the finishing touches as he scored a fine cameo of 11-ball 24.

The third T20I  between England and India will be played at Nottingham on Tuesday.