Ravi Shastri Questions India's Decision to Exclude Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (PTI Photo)

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has questioned Team India's decision to keep teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI despite including him in the squads for the Ireland and England T20 series. The 15-year-old batting prodigy, who has generated significant excitement after his impressive performances in the IPL, is yet to make his international debut after missing all the matches in Ireland and the opening T20I against England. Speaking during the live broadcast of the India-England first T20I, Shastri said the youngster should have been given an opportunity during the Ireland series, especially considering the conditions. He believes Vaibhav has already proved his abilities against top-quality bowlers and should not be kept waiting much longer. "He should’ve played in Ireland. That is such a slow and spongy track; he would’ve hit it on the roof as it was a small ground. He had to play there. I don’t know if he will play here. I am not sure whether they will play him, but get him as soon as you can. He has beaten everyone in IPL. Which fast bowler has he left? You are making him sit on the bench to warm him up," Shastri said.

'He is an X-factor'

Shastri further stressed that Vaibhav's fearlessness and youthful approach could provide India with a major advantage at the top of the order. According to the former coach, the teenager's aggressive batting style can help set up strong totals and create momentum for the middle order. "They should play him because he is an X-factor. He has no baggage. He is 15 years old and is an exuberance of youth. He has no fear. If he plays 2-3 overs in the beginning, he gives such a start that the middle order can capitalise. So, we have to find a place for him, the sooner the better," Shastri added. Vaibhav was again left out of India's playing XI for the first T20I against England, which was eventually abandoned due to rain. It remains to be seen whether the team management will hand the teenager his much-awaited international debut in the remaining matches of the series.