The controversy over whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should make his much-delayed debut for India continued, but the BCCI has thrown its weight behind the team management. The vice-president, Rajeev Shukla, has said that the final decision on whether the 15-year-old wonderkid would be given a chance to prove himself on the big stage would be left to the captain, Shreyas Iyer and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the talk of the town after his sensational displays for India U19 against England, with former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and AB de Villiers calling upon the selectors to give the young sensation a much-needed break in the senior team. However, Shukla said that there was no reason to criticize the selectors and the coaching staff.
Rajeev Shukla backs captain and coach over selection calls on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Speaking to Times Now, the BCCI vice-president lauded Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s talent and assured that the player delivered his best during the IPL. However, he also said that the call on picking the players must be left to the captain and the coach, as they understand the game and the requirements better.
“We are also of the view that he is a very talented player, and he did showcase his talent during the IPL. I have seen some comments against the team management and the coaches, but I feel that the final decision on picking the players and the combinations will be solely left to the captain and the coach. They are looking at the situation, and whenever the opportunity arises, Sooryavanshi will get it. So, I feel these kinds of matters should be left to the judgment of the team. management. I don’t know why people are commenting unnecessarily on this,” Shukla said.
The Indian team management has been taking the same stand even before the second T20I in Manchester, where the same opening pair was retained despite the backlash from the fans after the team’s loss in the first T20I.
India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, said that rather than making decisions based on emotions after the loss, it will be important for them to believe in experience and let the new players prove their abilities on the field.
Also read: India vs England 2nd T20I: India’s Old Trafford Record, Stats and Historic Moments
“Yes, a young man is knocking on the door, and it is exciting, but I reckon for not just those two at the top but for the whole squad, it is a good omen that we back you, fellas. So, it is about delivering results; that is what is important. But also, I think, if you look at it, we don’t want to get into the situation where we overthink and play someone else in,” Morkel reasoned.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might have to wait a little longer as the Indian team management seems firm on retaining the same opening pair, leaving one of the most sought-after talents in the country on the bench.
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