Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opening the innings for India is perfect when Ishan Kishan is not part of the team’s playing XI. Sooryavanshi scored a blistering knock of 45 runs off just 19 balls as he batted at the top of his game. He added 118 runs in the Powerplay overs with Abhishek Sharma, which is now the most by a full-member ICC team.
Sooryavanshi and Abhishek added 133 runs off just 43 balls as the New Zealand bowlers were taken to the cleaners. The youngster had managed only four runs in the second T20I while batting at one down.
“The way Vaibhav Suryavanshi just took off was something that he has done all IPL. For me, he is and will always be a very special player. I look forward to seeing him do very many special things in his career,” Ashwin said on SonyLiv.
“In this combination, when Ishan Kishan is missing and Vaibhav has to come, that probably looks like the perfect order because Sanju has got the experience to be able to deal with going in at No. 3. However, tomorrow if Ishan Kishan is going to come back, I think Vaibhav heads out and Sanju slots right back into the slot he deserves,” he added.
The former CSK spinner said Sooryavanshi should be allowed to enjoy his cricket and no pressure should be put on him.
“These are all big statements to make so early in his life. I really hope that the young boy gets that breathing space. I know he is going to be the poster boy of Indian cricket at some stage, but we all need to take that backward step and allow him to enjoy his cricket,” he responded.
“I have played cricket from a very young age, and at 16, I was enjoying cricket in the maidans in some club grounds in Chennai. That’s what a 16-year-old is supposed to do. He did something spectacular today (Tuesday). I won’t jump to any conclusions. He is a talent to watch out for. Let him enjoy his cricket, and let’s also enjoy watching him bat,” Ashwin observed.
The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday.
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