‘You have to communicate clearly’: Former India goalkeeper warns Team India over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Getty Images) Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has backed the Indian team management’s cautious handling of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but insisted clear communication with the youngster is essential as he awaits his international debut.With increasing calls for the 15-year-old to be included in India’s playing XI during the ongoing T20I series against England, Parthiv believes Sooryavanshi will eventually get his opportunity. However, he emphasized that the coaching staff must ensure that the youngster fully understands where he stands in the team.In an interview on Jio Hotstar, Parthiv said, “I feel that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will definitely get an opportunity at some stage in this series. But at this stage, communication is extremely important. When you are part of the coaching team, you have to make sure that you communicate clearly with the players. Even if you are not going to play with him, you have to tell him.”“He is a 15-year-old boy, so you have to be very careful with him and advise him to be patient. There are a lot of players who have also done really well. Sanju Samson was the player of the tournament in the T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan, who is batting at number three, is the ICC No. 1, while Sharma is at this point in the T20I rankings. There is no place for Vaibhav in the XI and that needs to be communicated really well to him.” he added.Parthiv’s comments came a day after India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel also called for patience and reiterated the management’s faith in established openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma despite growing calls for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion.Addressing Samson’s lean run during the ongoing UK tour, Morkel said the coaching staff has a responsibility to support players who have worked consistently for India.“I think we have to respect the fact that we had our No.1 batsman in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. Sanju was a World Cup player,” explained Morkel. “Samson has had a great IPL. So as a coaching staff, it’s only fair to show confidence and support for your players. Yes, a young man is knocking on the door and that’s exciting. But not only for those two players above, but for the whole group, it’s good to show them our support.”Morkel also made it clear that India were reluctant to change the batting order just to accommodate the new player.“On a day, it’s about putting the performances on the board. That’s the key. But we also don’t want to overthink and put other players in different positions. So it’s not as simple as saying, ‘Let’s play Sooryavanshi.’“It’s about standing alongside some guys who have won World Cups, who have performed well in difficult situations and then build from there to strengthen our top order as much as possible in those conditions.”Sooryavanshi broke into the senior setup after a phenomenal IPL 2026 campaign for Rajasthan Royals, scoring 776 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30 to win the Player of the Tournament award. However, he is still waiting to make his debut in India after being benched during the recent T20I series in Ireland, which India lost 2-0.