Former Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has issued a measured call for patience regarding the rise of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Following the youngster’s standout performance in the third T20I against New Zealand, where he scored 45 runs off just 19 deliveries, Ashwin urged spectators and cricket experts to refrain from placing excessive pressure on the 15-year-old so early in his professional journey.
Sooryavanshi’s recent contribution was instrumental in India’s successful chase of a 199-run target, during which he formed a 133-run opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma. This aggressive start provided the foundation for India to secure a victory with 6.4 overs to spare. Despite the impressive nature of the innings, Ashwin emphasized that the focus should remain on allowing the teenager to develop naturally rather than crowning him as the next superstar of Indian cricket.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a young player in Chennai, Ashwin highlighted that a 16-year-old should primarily be focused on enjoying the game at the club level. He noted that while Sooryavanshi has demonstrated glimpses of exceptional talent throughout his IPL appearances, jumping to long-term conclusions based on short-term performances can be detrimental to a player's growth. He expressed his desire to see the boy get the necessary space to evolve without the constant weight of public and media scrutiny.
Regarding team composition for the upcoming fixtures, Ashwin offered a strategic perspective on the batting order. He addressed the scenario involving Ishan Kishan, who has been sidelined due to injury. In the previous match, the team management promoted Sooryavanshi to the opening position, a move that required Sanju Samson to shift to the No. 3 spot. While acknowledging that the current arrangement works given the personnel available, Ashwin suggested a return to the previous structure should Kishan become available for selection again.
"In this combination, when Ishan Kishan is missing and Sooryavanshi has to come, that probably looks like the perfect order because Sanju has got the experience to be able to deal with going in at No. 3," Ashwin stated on SonyLiv. He explicitly noted that if Kishan returns to the playing XI, "Vaibhav heads out and Sanju slots right back into the slot he deserves."
The veteran spinner’s comments come at a time when the team management is navigating various combinations to identify the ideal batting lineup. Sooryavanshi had originally been drafted into the playing XI for the second T20I following Kishan’s injury, though he struggled to find his rhythm, recording only four runs off eight balls in that match. However, the subsequent move to open the batting in the third T20I proved effective, validating the team's experimentation.
As the series progresses, the potential return of Ishan Kishan remains a pivotal factor in the team's tactical planning. While the debate regarding the playing order continues, Ashwin’s primary concern remains the long-term well-being of Sooryavanshi. He concluded that regardless of future selection outcomes, the priority for the cricketing community should be to let the youngster enjoy his time on the field and continue his development away from the immediate, intense glare of the spotlight.
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