New Delhi: Indian captain Shreyas Iyer He has impressed with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the three-match T20I against Zimbabwe, expressing confidence that the youngster has learned from his introduction to international cricket and is ready for a strong performance.Speaking on the opening night of the series in Harare, Iyer said he was not worried about Sooryavanshi’s ability to bounce back after the 15-year-old endured a tough tour in England.The youngster, who became India’s youngest cricketer in England, managed to make a minor comeback before being dropped in the fifth game. Sanju Samson he returned to the playing XI.Despite the difficulties, Iyer believes the youngster has used the break well.“All the youngsters, I think, really did. There was a proper gap after the T20 series. So he (Sooryavanshi) must have corrected where he went wrong. So personally, I don’t have to give much advice,” said Iyer.
Iyer advocates fearless cricket
India enter the tournament in Zimbabwe looking to bounce back from a disappointing white-ball tour of Ireland and England under Iyer’s captaincy.The pilot encouraged his young team to play freely instead of worrying about criticism or fear of failure.“I don’t think they should be afraid of failure because when you have such thoughts in the back of your mind, then you play to save yourself. When you don’t have that fear, you can find the best in yourself,” said Iyer.With India traveling straight from England and having only one practice session in the opening game, Iyer accepted the challenge but helped his side make a quick turnaround.Reflecting on his return from injury, the 31-year-old said overcoming adversity made him mentally tough.“It has made me more confident as an individual. When you overcome an injury, mentally it makes you more determined. Any problems you face on the field, you know how to solve them quickly,” he said.
Sooryavanshi ready to move
Sooryavanshi, meanwhile, admitted that the past four months have been tough, but insisted that his confidence has not wavered.“Yes, there have been a few ups and downs in the last four months; it’s part of cricket, it’s still going to happen but I have to follow the plan and give my 100% to the team,” said the youngster. bc.tv.His absence in the final T20I against England drew criticism from the team management, with several former players questioning the decision to drop the youngster after just three innings.However, Sooryavanshi said that the support from the teachers helped him to start thinking again.“It’s obvious that whatever I want (guidance etc.), the coaches are making it available and whatever I want I can get it. I feel very good, there is also confidence,” he said.The trip to Zimbabwe also has a special meaning for the young man. It was at the same venue in Harare that he played for India in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, smashing 175 off just 80 balls against England in the final.“It’s an unforgettable place for me. Just four months back, we played the U-19 World Cup Final and won, so it’s a very special place,” he said.Confident of the knowledge he gained during the tournament, Sooryavanshi said he hopes to use his knowledge to his advantage if he is selected for the opening T20I.“I will go back to what I have done so far and try to get my game back… whatever I can give to the team I will try to give,” he said.
