Gavaskar’s call for Sooryavanshi’s debut
Sunil Gavaskar has strongly advocated for the inclusion of young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in India’s playing XI for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. Gavaskar believes Sooryavanshi should play from the first match, which is scheduled for July 1. This recommendation follows India’s recent 0-2 series whitewash against Ireland, where several key batters struggled.
Gavaskar emphasised that giving the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi his India debut in England is now non-negotiable, especially after the team’s performance in Ireland. He pointed out that players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan faced difficulties with the bat during the Ireland series. Shreyas Iyer, who captained the side, managed to score 13 runs across two games, a tally matched by Ishan Kishan. Opener Sanju Samson also had a challenging series.
The former batter criticised India’s team management for not giving Sooryavanshi an opportunity in Ireland, suggesting it was an ideal chance to try out the in-form player. Gavaskar had previously stated that Sooryavanshi, given his form, should have played both matches in Ireland. He suggested that Sooryavanshi could have opened with Abhishek Sharma in one game, or batted lower down the order in another, to accommodate other players.
Debate over team selection
The decision to bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throughout the Ireland series has led to differing opinions among former players. While Gavaskar, along with Mohammed Kaif and Manoj Tiwary, supports Sooryavanshi’s inclusion, former India spinner R Ashwin has backed the team management’s approach.
Gavaskar believes that with India’s batting line-up appearing uncertain after the Ireland results, bringing in the explosive Sooryavanshi is essential to challenge the England bowlers. He asserted that India must accommodate Sooryavanshi, even if it means adjusting the batting order. Gavaskar suggested that Sooryavanshi could either open or bat at number three, but stressed his presence in the first match against England is crucial.
Mohammed Kaif echoed Gavaskar’s sentiments, questioning the consistency of the selection logic. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s name should have been in the best XI, especially given his recent form. Kaif pointed out inconsistencies in past selection decisions, such as the removal of Rohit Sharma as captain and the dropping of Suryakumar Yadav, both World Cup-winning captains, under the premise of looking for younger players.
Manoj Tiwary further criticised the coaching staff, accusing them of adhering to preconceived notions rather than considering current form. He argued that players who performed well in the T20 World Cup, which occurred before the IPL, were prioritised over in-form players like Sooryavanshi. Tiwary also noted that the team’s reliance on part-time bowlers had not met expectations, indicating a lack of consistency in decision-making.
Sooryavanshi’s form and future
Sooryavanshi’s strong form leading up to the Ireland series was highlighted by his performance in the IPL 2026, where he won the Orange Cap and the MVP award. He also had a successful stint with India A in Sri Lanka, concluding with a score of 94 runs off 29 balls in the final in Dambulla, which included an 11-ball fifty. This demonstrates that his claim for a spot is based on consistent performance rather than just potential.
Conversely, R Ashwin argued that there is currently no room for Sooryavanshi in the current XI. He suggested that if Sooryavanshi were to play, he should be sent on the Zimbabwe tour, where the incumbent openers might not be present. Ashwin noted that players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are not part of the Test or ODI teams, and therefore need the T20 format to maintain their relevance within the team structure. He concluded that while Sooryavanshi deserves a place on merit, it should not come at the expense of the current openers, unless there is a loss of form or an injury.
The upcoming series against England, starting on July 1, will present a more challenging environment than the Ireland series. The decision regarding Sooryavanshi’s inclusion will be a key point of discussion for the team management as they prepare for the matches.
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Source: m.rediff.com
