Former India captain Kris Srikkanth criticised head coach Gautam Gambhir’s decision to bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after three poor performances in England during the five-match T20I series.
India won the first Twenty20 International in Harare by seven wickets, thanks to the 15-year-old batter’s spectacular 18-ball half-century. Sooryavanshi became the youngest player in men’s international cricket to reach 50 at the age of 15 years and 118 days, breaking the T20I record.
Prior to being eliminated, the young player had scored 14, 13, and 15 in his first three Twenty20 Internationals against England. Gambhir benched him for the fifth and final Twenty20 International, instead going with Sanju Samson.
The decision to terminate Sooryavanshi after only three games gravely questioned the team’s approach for fostering emerging talent through early setbacks.
“He possesses an effortless range of shots, and not a single shot was cross-batted. This boy is very extraordinary. How could Gautam Gambhir, of all people, drop him after three failed attempts to undermine his confidence?” Srikkanth explained on his YouTube channel.
What aspects of Sooryavanshi’s work ethic most impressed Srikkanth?
Srikkanth appreciated Sooryavanshi’s determination and effort. After three consecutive losses, the former opener was equally struck by Sooryavanshi’s audacious approach. In the 18-ball knock, the left-handed opener struck four sixes and four boundaries with a strike rate of more than 260.
“I applaud Vaibhav for his determination. He did not return home after the series against England, but instead joined the Rajasthan Royals camp right immediately. “He is working hard on his batting against the short ball to show the world that he is unique,” Srikkanth remarked.
Srikkanth emphasised that Sooryavanshi attacked from the start and refused to abandon his aggressive instincts, rather than playing cautiously after early setbacks.
With more than six overs remaining, India chased Zimbabwe’s aim of 126. As India attempts to regain momentum, the teenager’s redemption in Zimbabwe sets the tone for his following games in the series.
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