Former Sri Lanka opener Sanath Jayasuriya has urged India to take a patient approach with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, insisting the youngster has plenty of time to establish himself at the international level. Sooryavanshi was included in India’s squad for the recent three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.

However, the team management continued with the established opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma throughout the series. The decision attracted criticism, particularly after Sooryavanshi was not handed an opportunity in the third T20I despite India having already secured the series. Jayasuriya, however, believes there is no need to rush the youngster into the playing XI.

“He is a different kind of talent. I think he is the future for India. He has a lot of time. So, allow him to do well and he will do well. Opportunities will come. I cannot tell which position he will play; it depends,” Jayasuriya told PTI.

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The former Sri Lankan star also backed Sooryavanshi to make the most of his opportunities whenever they arrive, while avoiding any comment on India’s selection decisions.

“But when the opportunity comes, he will grab it. So, let us wait and see. I cannot comment on the selection and the batting line-ups. I think he is highly talented. The individual cricketers have individual talents and they work hard at practice and training,” he added.

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India’s recent selections suggest the management is not making significant changes to accommodate Sooryavanshi. The teenager made his international debut during the England tour in July when Samson was struggling for consistency. With Samson and Abhishek currently in good form, breaking up the opening pair could prove difficult. Another route could be resting wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who captained East Zone in the Duleep Trophy before joining India’s squad.