India are in no rush to transform Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into a full-fledged all-rounder, with stand-in spin-bowling coach Sunil Joshi making it clear that the 15-year-old’s batting will remain the top priority for the immediate future. After Sooryavanshi’s explosive performances in Harare, India are choosing patience over experimentation as they continue to manage one of their most exciting young talents carefully.

Sooryavanshi has already made a strong statement in Zimbabwe. The left-hander smashed an 18-ball fifty against the hosts in the second T20I after earlier striking a match-winning 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final at the same venue. He even picked up a wicket with his part-time spin during that youth event, which naturally raises the question of whether India could one day develop him into a multi-skilled option.

For now, though, the management wants to keep things simple. Joshi said the focus will remain on Sooryavanshi’s batting, while any work on his bowling will be handled gradually and away from the pressure of immediate results. With the BCCI Centre of Excellence available for long-term development, India believe there is no need to rush the process.

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“Let’s focus on his batting. He’s been sensational,” Sunil Joshi said ahead of the second T20I against Zimbabwe. “This is a happy hunting ground for him. He performed well in the U19 World Cup finals. Vaibhav has been very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time we’ll work with him in the BCCI Centre of Excellence.”

India do have several batting options who can also roll their arm over, which gives the team enough flexibility without burdening Sooryavanshi too early. Abhishek Sharma has regularly chipped in with the ball in the IPL, while vice-captain Tilak Varma has also bowled in recent India A action in Sri Lanka. Harsh Dubey adds another useful spin option to the mix.

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“I think all three are good bowlers, all-rounders. Abhishek has improved a lot. The coaches always want him to improve every time. Harsh Dubey has also performed well,” Sunil Joshi said. “We also have Tilak Varma. He’s another optional bowler. We have conversations with him about not giving too many runs, giving more dot balls, and focusing on the basics,” he added.

After becoming India’s youngest men’s international half-centurion, Sooryavanshi will look to build on his rapid rise when India face Zimbabwe in the second T20I on Saturday.