Former Indian leg-spinner Siva Ramakrishnan has backed team management to give long rope to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi amid the T20I series against England. The former spinner said Sooryavanshi doesn’t need fitness of a fast bowler.
Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi became the youngest Indian player to make his T20I debut after legendary Sachin Tendulkar when he received his maiden cap against England at Old Trafford, Manchester on Saturday. However, the youngster was dismissed cheaply after scoring 14 runs off 10 balls as he was stumped by Jos Buttler while facing Will Jacks.
Siva Ramakrishnan said via Sportstar, “He (Suryavanshi) should be given a fair amount of chances with white ball cricket and see how he performs. mean, there’s no point in blooding a youngster and giving him a break or resting him. He doesn’t need rest. He can keep playing right throughout the year. Especially as a batter, he doesn’t need a bowler’s fitness. And batting for long periods of time will also give him that concentration, the mental work that he can do for long periods of time.”
“Once you decide to play him, you have got to give him ample opportunities. Remember, he is an investment for the next 20 years. I think what Vaibhav needs now is a lot of support from Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer and the rest of the players. Even if he does not do well in a few games, he should be backed.”
Ramakrishnan added that the youngster should get a chance at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“He sure should get a chance at the upcoming 50 overs World Cup if he does exceedingly well in the T20 format. He should get an opportunity because he’s going to be a match winner. When he scores runs, he’s going to be a match-winner in all formats of white-ball cricket,” said Sivaramakrishnan (via the aforementioned source).
The former spinner wondered when Sooryavanshi can make his Test debut for India.
“I’m very happy that somebody has played for India at the age of 15. However, I’d like to see at what age he makes his Test debut. Because at the age of 15, 16, or 17, you’re kind of fearless.”
The third T20I between England and India will be played at Nottingham on Tuesday.
