Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called for patience with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, urging fans and experts not to burden the youngster with expectations too early in his career. Ashwin also believes Sooryavanshi should make way for Sanju Samson at the top of the order if Ishan Kishan returns to the playing XI for the next T20I against New Zealand.Sooryavanshi made an immediate impact in the third T20I, hammering 45 off just 19 deliveries as India chased down a target of 199 with 6.4 overs to spare. The teenager shared a record-breaking 133-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma, underlining his ability to take on the opposition from the outset.Praising the youngster’s fearless approach, Ashwin said Sooryavanshi had already shown glimpses of his exceptional talent throughout the IPL and predicted a bright future for him.“The way Vaibhav Sooryavanshi just took off was something that he has done all IPL. For me, he is and will always be a very special player. I look forward to seeing him do very many special things in his career,” Ashwin said on SonyLiv.However, Ashwin feels Samson should reclaim his opening position if Kishan is available for the next match. With Kishan’s injury having opened the door for Sooryavanshi, Samson had moved to No. 3 in the previous game. The veteran spinner believes Samson’s experience makes him capable of adapting to the role, but his performances have earned him the right to open.“In this combination, when Ishan Kishan is missing and Sooryavanshi has to come, that probably looks like the perfect order because Sanju has got the experience to be able to deal with going in at No. 3. However, tomorrow if Ishan Kishan is going to come back, I think Vaibhav heads out and Sanju slots right back into the slot he deserves,” he added.
Ashwin urges patience with Sooryavanshi
Beyond the selection debate, Ashwin’s bigger concern is ensuring that the 15-year-old gets enough room to develop without the weight of expectations. While acknowledging that Sooryavanshi could become one of Indian cricket’s biggest names in the future, he stressed that the youngster should be allowed to enjoy the game.“These are all big statements to make so early in his life. I really hope that the young boy gets that breathing space. I know he is going to be the poster boy of Indian cricket at some stage, but we all need to take that backward step and allow him to enjoy his cricket,” said Ashwin.Drawing from his own early years in the game, Ashwin explained why it was important not to rush to conclusions about a young player’s future based on a few standout performances.“I have played cricket from a very young age, and at 16, I was enjoying cricket in the maidans in some club grounds in Chennai. That’s what a 16-year-old is supposed to do. He did something spectacular today (Tuesday). I won’t jump to any conclusions. He is a talent to watch out for. Let him enjoy his cricket, and let’s also enjoy watching him bat,” he explained.Sooryavanshi was drafted into the playing XI for the second T20I after Kishan picked up an injury, but struggled to make an impact at No. 3, scoring just four runs off eight balls.For the third T20I, Samson made way for the teenager at the top of the order, allowing him to partner Abhishek. The move paid off as the duo produced a record-breaking opening partnership to put India firmly on course for the chase.With Kishan potentially returning for the next game, the team management could face a decision over the batting order, with Ashwin backing Samson to resume his place as opener and Sooryavanshi to continue his development away from the immediate spotlight.
