Vaibhav Sooryavanshi NZ T20Is: Why the Teen Prodigy Might Still Be Waiting
Will teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play against NZ? Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar explains why the 15-year-old might have to wait.
As India prepares for its five-match away T20I series against New Zealand starting November 22, the spotlight has fallen on 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Despite his explosive form and the massive hype surrounding his ball-striking abilities, former Indian cricketer and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes the teen prodigy may not see action in the upcoming series.
The Tactical Battle: Left-Right Combinations
Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Out or Not Out', Abhishek Nayar highlighted that selection isn't just about individual talent, but about team balance. He pointed out that the current preference for players like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan is driven by the need for a left-right hand combination.
Nayar specifically mentioned the threat of New Zealand's Michael Bracewell, noting that having a mix of left and right-handed batters prevents a bowler like Bracewell from dominating the powerplay overs. According to Nayar, as long as there is a left-hander at the top and at number three, a right-hander in between remains a tactical necessity.
Protecting the Prodigy and Team Culture
The 15-year-old Sooryavanshi has an impressive record in eight T20Is, amassing 246 runs at a blistering strike rate of over 186, including two half-centuries. However, he remained on the bench during the recent home series against the West Indies, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Nayar emphasized that making "haphazard decisions" could be detrimental not only to Sooryavanshi's long-term career but also to the overall team culture. He suggested that the coaching staff's current stance is likely, "Vaibhav, wait for your time, you will also get opportunities." Nayar believes Sooryavanshi is more likely to feature in a series where experienced players like Sanju Samson are rested.
The 'Sanju Samson' Factor
A significant part of the conversation revolves around Sanju Samson, whose form often sparks intense debate. Nayar described Samson as a player who "plays with everyone's emotions," noting a pattern where Samson goes through a dry spell, prompting calls for younger players like Sooryavanshi, only to follow it up with a massive knock.
The statistics back up Samson's impact. In the recent West Indies T20Is, he was India's second-highest run-scorer, tallying 168 runs in five matches with an average of 33.60 and a strike rate of 195.34, including a top score of 82. His overall record for the year is equally strong, with 703 runs across 25 matches and innings, featuring seven fifties.
"Sanju is that kind of player who will repeatedly give you opportunities to raise questions about him and then will play a big knock, making the most of his chances," Nayar remarked.
Ultimately, while the excitement surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to grow, the combination of tactical requirements and the proven track record of senior players means the teenager will likely have to keep waiting for his moment in the sun.