Former coach in India Ravi Shastri he questioned Team Indiathe decision to keep teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI despite including him in the squads for the Ireland and England T20 series. The 15-year-old batting prodigy, who generated a lot of excitement after his impressive performances in the IPLis yet to make his international debut after missing all the matches in Ireland and the opening T20I against England.Speaking during the live broadcast of the first India-England T20I, Shastri said the youngster should have been given a chance during the Ireland series, especially considering the conditions. He believes that Vaibhav has already shown his abilities against top quality bowlers and should not be kept waiting for much more. “He should have played in Ireland. It’s such a slow, spongy track; he would have hit it on the roof because it was a small pitch. He should have played there. I don’t know if he will play there. I’m not sure if I’ll play him, but get him as soon as possible. He beat everyone in IPL. Who left the fast bowler who made him sit on the fast bowler?” he said.
“It’s an X factor”
Shastri also stressed that Vaibhav’s boldness and youthful approach could provide India with a major advantage at the top of the order. According to the former coach, the teenager’s aggressive batting style can help him set a strong total and create momentum for the middle order.“I have to play him because he is an X factor. He has no baggage. He is 15 years old and he is an exuberance of youth. He is not afraid. If he plays 2-3 overs in the beginning, he gives such a start that the middle order can capitalize. So, we have to find a place for him, the sooner the better,” added Shastri.Vaibhav was again left out of India’s playing XI for the first T20I against England, which was eventually abandoned due to rain. It remains to be seen whether the team management will give the teenager his much-awaited international debut in the remaining matches of the series.
