New Delhi: Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will find it hard to break into India’s T20I playing XI. The reason, he says, is not talent but a lack of space in the team’s strong top order.
Sooryavanshi in Squad but Yet to Play
Sooryavanshi is part of India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on November 22. However, the teenager did not get a single game in the recent home series against the West Indies, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Chopra feels this is simply because no slot has been available for him. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he was asked whether Sooryavanshi should replace Tilak Varma, whose form has been questioned by some. Chopra said a place is not being created for the youngster, and the only batters he could realistically replace are Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma or Ishan Kishan.
“When three people are doing well, you can’t get a chance suddenly,” Chopra said. “I know it is heartbreaking, but there is no other way.”
Rotation Idea
Chopra suggested a rotation system, where all four batters get chances in turn. He admitted, however, that nobody seems to agree with his idea.
Ranji Trophy Option
Chopra also said that keeping Sooryavanshi in the squad without giving him any game time would serve little purpose. In that case, he believes the teenager should be released to play in the Ranji Trophy instead, where he could at least get regular match practice.
A Strong Start to His Career
Sooryavanshi has made an impressive beginning in T20Is. He has scored 246 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of over 186, including two half-centuries. He is known for his aggressive batting, but he has not yet got a consistent run in the side. Experienced players Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are currently preferred at the top of the order.
Chopra Defends Tilak Varma
Chopra also came out in support of Tilak Varma, the Indian vice-captain. He disagreed with the view that Tilak has been underperforming and should make way for Sooryavanshi.
He pointed out that Tilak hit two centuries when he batted at No. 3. After that, Tilak got injured and had a small problem before the World Cup. “The World Cup didn’t start well,” Chopra said, but things improved once Tilak became a finisher.
According to Chopra, Tilak has done a good job in the middle and lower-middle order, including in the Asian Games. He said that “shooting arrows at Tilak Varma is not right,” and that the batter’s recent performances should not be ignored just because he is not always batting at his favourite position.
What Next?
All eyes will now be on the New Zealand series to see whether the team management gives Sooryavanshi a chance. With Samson, Abhishek, Kishan and Tilak all in the mix, the competition is tough. For now, the young batter will have to wait for his turn.
