Former India opener Kris Srikkanth has criticised the Indian team management for leaving teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI for the first T20I against Afghanistan in Delhi on September 13. The 15-year-old had been one of India’s standout performers in the previous T20I series against Zimbabwe, making his omission a talking point despite India securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Series in Zimbabwe after scoring 151 runs at an impressive average of more than 50 and a staggering strike rate of 196.10.
However, with Sanju Samson returning to the squad, India opted to open with Samson and Abhishek Sharma in the series opener against Afghanistan. The decision did not hurt India on the field as they chased down Afghanistan’s 157-run target in only 13.4 overs. Abhishek produced a sensational 82 off 32 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 42 to guide India to victory with 38 deliveries remaining.
Nevertheless, Kris Srikkanth believes Sooryavanshi deserved an opportunity after his recent performances. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India captain revealed that even his family questioned the youngster’s exclusion. “Yesterday, because Sooryavanshi didn’t play, we started watching a movie. My wife was shouting that Sooryavanshi didn’t play and started arguing that someone who was the Player of the Match in the last match isn’t playing.”
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Srikkanth argued that repeatedly changing the youngster’s position could create uncertainty in his mind. He believes India should back Sooryavanshi for an extended period rather than making him feel that one low score could immediately cost him his place. “These are sending wrong signals, and you are creating doubts in all the players’ minds.”
The former opener also pointed to Sooryavanshi’s performances across different levels of cricket. The youngster has already impressed in T20Is, India A cricket, the IPL and domestic competitions, while also playing a role in East Zone’s successful Duleep Trophy campaign. Sooryavanshi initially struggled during his first T20I series against England, scoring 42 runs across three matches. However, he bounced back strongly in Zimbabwe and continued his progress in the Duleep Trophy.
Srikkanth also questioned India’s management of Sanju Samson, who has struggled for consistency since his impressive performances at the T20 World Cup. Samson returned to the playing XI against Afghanistan but could score only 10 runs from eight deliveries.
The wicketkeeper-batter had been dropped after the first T20I against England in July before returning for the final match of that series. He was subsequently left out of the Zimbabwe T20I series before earning another opportunity against Afghanistan. Srikkanth believes the constant rotation between Samson and Sooryavanshi is not helping either player. “This team management is playing around with Sanju Samson. I pity Samson. Either you give him an extended run and then drop him or give Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a run of matches without dropping him.”
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He further urged India to provide Sooryavanshi with a guaranteed run of games, allowing the youngster to play without the pressure of immediate selection consequences. “Only then he’ll have no worries and start scoring. He’s such a brilliant player that he’ll score against all the big teams also.”
With the second T20I against Afghanistan scheduled for September 15 in Delhi, all eyes will be on India’s opening combination and whether Sooryavanshi returns to the playing XI.
