‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should have played in Ireland’: Ravi Shastri questions India’s decision to bench 15-year-old

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (PTI Photo) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has questioned Team India’s decision to keep teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI despite including him in the squads for the Ireland and England T20 series. The 15-year-old batting prodigy, who created considerable excitement after his impressive performances in the IPL, is yet to make his international debut after missing all the matches in Ireland and the opening T20I against England. During the live telecast of the first T20I between India and England, Shastri said the youngster should have been given an opportunity during the Ireland series, especially considering the conditions. He believes that Vaibhav has already proved his mettle against the top bowlers and there should not be a long wait for him. “He should have played in Ireland. It’s such a slow and spongy track; he would have hit it on the roof because it was a small pitch. He had to play there. I don’t know if he’ll play here. I’m not sure if they’ll play him, but get him as soon as you can. He’s beaten everyone in the IPL. Which fast bowler told him to leave him? You’re going to let Shastri sit on the bench.

“He’s the X-factor”

Shastri further emphasized that Vaibhav’s fearlessness and youthful approach could give India a big advantage at the top of the order. According to the former coach, the teenager’s aggressive batting style can help generate strong totals and create momentum for the middle order.“They should play him because he is an X-factor. He has no baggage. He is 15 years old and an exuberant youth. He has no fear. If he bowls 2-3 overs in the beginning, he gives such a start that the middle order can benefit. So we have to find a place for him, the sooner the better,” added Shastri.Vaibhav was again left out of India’s playing XI for the first T20I against England, which was eventually abandoned due to rain.

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Share an opinionIt remains to be seen whether the team management will hand the teenager his expected international debut in the remaining matches of the series.