Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finally made his long-awaited India debut in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, July 4, and the teenage left-hander wasted little time in showing why he is already being talked about as one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects. The 15-year-old struck two elegant sixes before falling for 14 off 10 balls, but even in a short stay, he gave fans a clear glimpse of his fearless batting style.

Ravichandran Ashwin was quick to praise the youngster, saying Sooryavanshi looked completely unfazed by the occasion. The former India off-spinner said the debut innings, though brief, was enough to suggest that the teenager belongs at this level and has the tools to build a big international career.

“I’m very happy. The way he took on Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue has already given us a trailer of what’s to come. To step onto such a big stage without any fear, there wasn’t even the slightest sign of fear or pressure on his face. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is here to play, and he’s here to stay. I have no doubt about that,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

ALSO READ: Anvay Dravid, Rahul Dravid’s Son, Anchors India U19 Innings With Fluent 87

Ashwin also urged fans and experts not to burden Sooryavanshi with comparisons to all-time greats such as Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar or Shane Warne. In his view, the youngster should be allowed to write his own story rather than being measured against legends before he has even completed the first chapter of his career.

“I only want to see how this boy turns it around and goes on to have a very successful career because I think he can do it. He has the capability. But don’t compare him with anyone. We want the first Vaibhav Suryavanshi. We don’t want the second Don Bradman, the second Sachin Tendulkar, or the second Shane Warne. We want the first Vaibhav Suryavanshi,” he said.

India have had a mixed run in recent weeks, winning the T20 World Cup earlier this year but also suffering a 0-2 defeat to Ireland last month and losing the second T20I against England. Ashwin, however, said such setbacks should not trigger panic. With the next T20 World Cup and the Olympics still two years away, he believes this is the right stage for young players to experience failure, learn quickly and grow into stronger cricketers.

ALSO READ: Mohammad Kaif Wants Gambhir To Bring Back Sanju Samson, Split Abhishek-Sooryavanshi Pair

“If players aren’t allowed to experience failure, we won’t produce future legends and champions. Nobody becomes great without failing first. Let them fail,” Ravichandran Ashwin added.