There was a lot of buzz surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in India’s T20I squad, with many expecting the youngster to feature in the opening match against Ireland. However, the team management decided to stay with their first World Cup winner Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharmaleaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.Former India all-rounder Ravi Ashwin agreed with the idea, urging fans to be patient with the youngster’s development rather than rush him into the playing XI. According to Ashwin, there is a lot of value in learning from the sidelines before stepping onto the international stage.India, meanwhile, faced a disappointing start under the new captain Shreyas IyerIreland’s loss for the first time in T20I history. It was also India’s first T20I since lifting the T20 World Cup. As the Men in Blue look to bounce back in the second T20I, Ashwin shared his thoughts on why Sooryavanshi should continue to bide his time.Ravi Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat:“Please, everyone, think about the game wisely. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened together, and Sanju batted very well in the World Cup. If you were to bench one of them to play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, what would you call a team game?”“I know we all want to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play. We are all fans, and he is very entertaining. But not at any cost. There is value in sitting outside and watching the game. Let him serve the team, help, even bring water. There is a lot to learn from the experience. A great player does not stay overnight. Once Vaibhav starts dropping, he may not start playing, Sachi may drop, he may not start playing. Tendulkar. But if he spends time outside the playing XI first, he will gain empathy and a better understanding of the team’s position. He has a long and distinguished career ahead of him. Being outside is also a part,” added Ashwin.
Ireland defeated world T20 champions India by 34 runs
Ireland made history with their first win over India in T20I cricket, defeating the T20 World Cup leaders by 34 runs in the opening T20I in Belfast.Asked to bat first, Ireland recovered to 36/3 thanks to half-century skipper Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany’s explosive 49 to post a commanding 182/9. Harshit Rana was India’s top bowler with 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each.In reply, India got off to a flying start when Abhishek Sharma smashed a 20-ball fifty, but the visitors fell spectacularly after being dismissed. Matt Hollard (3/28) and Matthew Humphreys (3 wickets) played with the ball as India were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs. Ireland opener Jai Moondra reacted quickly by dismissing Sanju Samson with his first ball in international cricket.
