Ravi Ashwin Backs India's Decision to Keep Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on Bench

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image: X)

There was considerable buzz around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's inclusion in India's T20I squad, with many expecting the teenage sensation to make his international debut in the series opener against Ireland. However, the team management opted to stick with their established World Cup-winning opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.

Former India spinner Ravi Ashwin backed the decision, urging fans to be patient with the youngster's development rather than rushing him into the playing XI. According to Ashwin, there is immense value in learning from the sidelines before stepping onto the international stage.

India, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing start to the series under new captain Shreyas Iyer, losing to Ireland for the first time in T20I history. It was also India's first T20I since lifting the T20 World Cup. As the Men in Blue look to bounce back in the second T20I, Ashwin shared his thoughts on why Sooryavanshi should continue to bide his time.

Ravi Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat: "Please, everyone, think about the game with some wisdom. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened together, and Sanju batted very well in the World Cup. If you bench one of them to play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, what is the point of calling this a team game?"

"I know we all want to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play. We are all fans, and he is a great entertainer. But not at any cost. There is value in sitting outside and watching the game too. Let him serve the team, help out, even bring water. There is a lot to learn from that experience. A great player doesn't become one overnight. Once Vaibhav starts playing, he might never be dropped it could happen, just as it did with Sachin Tendulkar. But if he spends some time outside the playing XI first, he will gain empathy and a better understanding of the team environment. He has a long and illustrious career ahead of him. Sitting outside is also a role," Ashwin added.

Ireland stun T20 world champions India by 34 runs

Ireland scripted history with their first-ever victory over India in T20I cricket, defeating the reigning T20 World Cup champions by 34 runs in the opening T20I in Belfast. Asked to bat first, Ireland recovered from 36/3 thanks to captain Lorcan Tucker's half-century and Gareth Delany's explosive 49 to post a competitive 182/9. Harshit Rana was India's standout bowler with 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each.

In reply, India raced off to a flying start as Abhishek Sharma smashed a 20-ball fifty, but the visitors suffered a dramatic batting collapse after his dismissal. Matt Hollard (3/28) and Matthew Humphreys (3 wickets) starred with the ball as India were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs. Ireland debutant Jai Moondra also made an immediate impact by dismissing Sanju Samson with his first ball in international cricket.