New Delhi: The excitement surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to grow as India prepare to face England in the second T20I of the five-match series at Old Trafford on Saturday.The 15-year-old batsman was included in India’s squad for the T20I series against Ireland and England after an impressive IPL season. However, he is still waiting for his global debut. As fans and pundits continue to clamor for his entry, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev He has encouraged everyone not to put too much pressure on the young man.“I haven’t seen him play much. He’s a big talent, without any doubt. But I think we’re talking too big about him. For now, give him time. Don’t fool him too much. He’s young right now and he’s not old enough to understand everything,” Kapil Dev told Sports Tak.
‘Skillful like Sachin and Virat’
Kapil believes that Sooryavanshi has incredible talent and compares him to two of India’s greatest batsmen – Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.However, he said the youngster still needs to prove that he has the long-term form of the game.“If you talk about talent, yes, he is as good as Sachin (Tendulkar) and Virat Kohli. This much talent is evident in him, but in T20 cricket. In all other formats, he will have to prove himself,” he added.
‘Don’t count his age, count his potential’
Kapil also helped the youngster to start for India if the team management believes that he is ready.In comparison to Sachin Tendulkar’s first international appearance, the former Indian captain said ability should be more important than age.“He is very good in T20s. You can’t even find one of the players who play if he is very young. We can say that about Sachin because he was also young when we played with him. We thought it was early, but if you look at the history, you fear it might be too late. If he is ready, don’t count his age, count his potential,” said the former India captain.Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs at an amazing rate of 237.30, almost single-handedly taking Rajasthan Royals into the playoffs. His performances earned him a place in India’s squad for the T20Is against Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games.Despite being selected, Sooryavanshi did not feature in the two T20Is against Ireland.Before the match, fans and the former cricketer debated whether India should give him his debut. This call grew louder as India lost the series surprisingly 2-0, struggling in both matches.The importance of Sooryavanshi’s inclusion continued in the England series.However, the 15-year-old remained on the bench in the rain-soaked first T20I at Chester-le-Street, which ended without a draw after incessant rain.
All eyes on Manchester
With the series still level after the wash, attention has now shifted to the second T20I at Old Trafford in Manchester.Whether India will finally give Sooryavanshi his long-awaited debut remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of Saturday’s clash.