India Captain Shreyas Iyer Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ahead of Zimbabwe T20I Series

NEW DELHI: India captain Shreyas Iyer has thrown his weight behind teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, expressing confidence that the youngster has learned from his difficult introduction to international cricket and is ready to make a stronger impact. Speaking on the eve of the series opener in Harare, Iyer said he had no concerns about Sooryavanshi's ability to bounce back after the 15-year-old endured a challenging tour of England. The teenager, who became India's youngest-ever international cricketer during the England series, managed only modest returns before being left out of the fifth match as Sanju Samson returned to the playing XI. Despite the setback, Iyer believes the youngster has used the break productively. "All the youngsters, I think, they have definitely practiced. There was a decent gap after the T20 series. So he (Sooryavanshi) must have rectified where he went wrong. So personally, I don't have to give much advice," Iyer said.

Iyer urges fearless cricket

India head into the Zimbabwe series looking to recover from a disappointing white-ball tour of Ireland and England under Iyer's captaincy. The skipper urged his young squad to play with freedom rather than worrying about criticism or the fear of failure. "I don't think they should fear failure because when you have such thoughts at the back of your mind, then you play to save yourself. When you don't have that fear, you can get the best out of yourself," Iyer had said. With India travelling directly from England and having only one practice session before the opening match, Iyer acknowledged the challenge but backed his side to adapt quickly. Reflecting on his own comeback from injury, the 31-year-old said overcoming setbacks had made him mentally stronger. "It has made me more confident as an individual. When you overcome the injury phase, mentally it makes you very positive. Whatever challenges you face on the field, you know how quickly you can overcome them," he said.

Sooryavanshi ready to move on

Sooryavanshi, meanwhile, admitted that the last four months have been an emotional rollercoaster but insisted his confidence remains intact. "Yes, there have been several ups and down in the last four months; it's part of cricket it will keep happening but I have to follow the process and give my 100 per cent for the team," the youngster told bcci.tv. His omission from the final T20I against England had sparked criticism of the team management, with several former cricketers questioning the decision to drop the teenager after just three innings. However, Sooryavanshi said the support from the coaching staff helped him regain his focus. "It's an obvious thing that whatever I want (guidance etc), the coaches are making it available and whatever practice I require I am getting that. Feeling very good, there is confidence also," he said. The Zimbabwe tour also carries special significance for the youngster. It was at the same venue in Harare that he starred in India's triumphant Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year, smashing a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls against England in the final. "It's a very memorable ground for me. Just four months back, we had played the U-19 World Cup Final and won, so a very special ground," he said.

Confident of the knowledge he gained during that tournament, Sooryavanshi said he hopes to use his familiarity with the conditions if selected for the opening T20I. "I will back my practice which I have done so far and try to back my game... whatever contribution I can make for the team I will try to give that," he said.