Gambhir, Shreyas show Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the harsh truth about India’s selection: Former spinner
“You have to wait for your chance.
“I’m just telling him you’re going to get an opportunity if you’re consistent in your processes, you’re just going to have to wait sometime.
It was the news of Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer they had for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi when asked why the 15-year-old didn’t get a chance to play for India. Despite being named player of the series during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, Sooryavanshi remained on the bench for the entire series against Afghanistan and the West Indies.
In fact, the teenage sensation is yet to make his debut on Indian soil despite emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in the country after his IPL successes. His absence from the playing eleven did not sit well with the fans, many of whom took to social media to express their displeasure with the approach of the team management. At almost every home game, supporters turn up hoping that this will finally be the day Sooryavanshi gets his chance.
The 15-year-old did offer a glimpse of his potential when he opened up alongside Abhishek Sharma during the Asian Games. But despite this promise, the wait for a senior debut for India at home continues.
Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik, however, sees no reason why the youngster should rush to the party. Speaking to India Today during a virtual interaction organized by Sony Sports Network, Kartik supported the team management’s decision to stick with the established opening combination and pointed to the success that Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have seen.
The numbers make a compelling case. Samson and Abhishek have combined to score 1,125 runs in 38 T20Is, making them India’s fourth-highest run-scoring partnership in the format. With Ishan Kishan also in sensational form, Sooryavanshi faces stiff competition for a spot at the top of the order.
“I’m not someone who makes a change for the sake of it. I know change is constant, but change for the right reasons. There has to be a reason why the change happens. So, in terms of the opening duo in India, I know they are a bit inconsistent, but that’s what has won matches for you,” Karthik said.
“We’ve seen the quality of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, they’re both sitting right up there. Then you’ve got Ishan Kishan, who’s your number one, the number one player, so it’s very difficult to make a change.
YASHASVI JAISWAL TYPE SITUATION
Kartik sees parallels between Sooryavanshi’s situation and Yashasvi Jaiswalwho despite his attacking prowess has struggled to find a place in India’s white-ball set-up.
Jaiswal has repeatedly proven his quality in Test cricket and the IPL, making him an attractive option even for a side with limited options. However, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill established at the top of the order in ODIs, Jaiswal had to wait for his opportunity. For Karthik, Sooryavanshi’s situation is a similar case of talent having to contend with established pecking order.
“Yes, we’re excited because he’s an exciting talent. We’re not taking anything away from him, but at the end of the day, it’s like Yashasvi Jaiswal in white-ball cricket. Are you making that change just to knock someone out?”
“I don’t think I’m in favor of it. I’ve never been in favor of it. I don’t think I’ll ever be in favor of it in the future,” Karthik said.
WHY PATIENCE IS KEY FOR SOORYAVANSHI
Kartik believes patience will be key as Sooryavanshi waits for his next opportunity. The youngster made his India debut in England when Samson was going through a difficult run, forcing the team to make a change. Kartík pointed out that a similar opening could occur again, but it is impossible to predict when it might happen.
At the international level, a player’s fortunes can change quickly. A long skinny patch for one of the established batsmen could open the door for Sooryavanshi. Until then, the youngster must remain ready to take his chance when it comes.
At the end of the day, we cannot predict what will happen. Tomorrow, one of the batsmen may go 15 innings without a run and you will be forced to make a change.
“So at that point, you want a second guy waiting. A guy waiting outside the door, ready to come out and say, ‘Listen, I’m there.’
“And that’s exactly how it should be handled, rather than saying, oh, we like him, people want to see him, so let’s bring him in. No, that’s unfair to the guys who are already there,” Karthik said.
‘BETTER TO GIVE THE ROUGH TRUTH’
For Kartik, informing the player of his position in the team is as important as preparing him for the occasion itself. He believes Gambhir and Shreyas are doing the right thing by communicating with Sooryavanshi and making it clear that while he remains in the picture, his next chance will depend on the circumstances and the performances of those ahead of him.
The message may not be easy for a young player to take in, especially one who has generated so much excitement, but Kartik believes honesty is the best approach.
“Even if you have to give them the harsh truth, it’s better to give it to them because you’re going to take it on the chin. You may not like it; it’s not palatable for a while, but it is what it is. You have to deal with it and move on.”
“I think that’s the best way to look at it. Because Shreyas talked about it, Gautam talked about it, I’m pretty sure they have the right word with Sooryavanshi because it’s there. Nobody’s saying it’s not there. It’s just sometimes when others are doing well, you can’t. It’s unfortunate,” Karthik said.
Sooryavanshi will be part of the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. His presence will keep hopes of a debut alive, but fans may have to temper their expectations. So far, the message from team management seems clear: talent is recognized, opportunity will come, but patience is part of the process.
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