“You have to wait for your opportunity.”
“I just keep telling him you will get the opportunity, if you be consistent about your processes, you have to wait sometimes.”
These were the messages Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer had for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi when they were asked why the 15-year-old was not getting a chance to play for India. Despite being named Player of the Series during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, Sooryavanshi was left on the bench for the entire series against Afghanistan and West Indies.
In fact, the teenage sensation is yet to make his debut on Indian soil, despite emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in the country following his exploits in the IPL. His absence from the playing XI has not gone down well with fans, many of whom have taken to social media to express their displeasure with the team management’s approach. At almost every home game, supporters turn up hoping that this will finally be the day Sooryavanshi gets his chance.
The 15-year-old did offer a glimpse of his potential when he opened alongside Abhishek Sharma during the Asian Games. But despite that promise, the wait for a senior India debut at home continues.
Former India spinner Murali Kartik, however, sees no reason to rush the youngster into the side. Speaking to India Today during a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, Kartik backed the team management’s decision to stick with its established opening combination, pointing to the success enjoyed by Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
The numbers make a compelling case. Samson and Abhishek have scored 1,125 runs together in 38 T20Is, making them India’s fourth-highest run-scoring partnership in the format. With Ishan Kishan also in sensational form, Sooryavanshi faces stiff competition for a place at the top of the order.
“I am not somebody who makes a change for the sake of it. I know change is constant, but change for the right reasons. There has to be a reason why there is a change. So, when it comes to the opening duo in India, I know they are a bit inconsistent, but that is what has won games for you,” said Karthik.
“We have seen the quality of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, both of them are sitting right up there. Then you’ve got Ishan Kishan, who’s your number two, number one players out there, so it’s very difficult to make the change.”
A YASHASVI JAISWAL SITUATION
Kartik sees parallels between Sooryavanshi’s situation and that of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has struggled to find a place in India’s white-ball setup despite his attacking prowess.
Jaiswal has repeatedly demonstrated his quality in Test cricket and the IPL, making him a tempting option for the limited-overs side as well. However, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill established at the top of the order in ODIs, Jaiswal has had to wait for his opportunity. For Kartik, Sooryavanshi’s situation is a similar case of talent having to contend with an established pecking order.
“Yes, we get excited because he’s an exciting talent. We are not taking anything away, but at the end of the day, it’s like Yashasvi Jaiswal in white-ball cricket. Do you make the change just for the sake of it, just to knock somebody off?”
“I don’t think I am in favor of that. I’ve never been in favor of that. I don’t think going forward I’ll ever be in favor of that,” said Karthik.
WHY PATIENCE IS KEY FOR SOORYAVANSHI
Kartik believes that patience will be crucial as Sooryavanshi waits for his next opportunity. The youngster made his India debut in England when Samson was going through a difficult run, forcing the team to make a change. Kartik pointed out that a similar opening could emerge again, but there is no way to predict when that might happen.
At the international level, a player’s fortunes can change quickly. A prolonged lean patch for one of the established batters could open the door for Sooryavanshi. Until then, the youngster must remain prepared to seize his chance when it arrives.
At the end of the day, we can’t predict what’s going to happen. Tomorrow, it could be that one of the batters going 15 innings without getting runs, and you are forced to make a change.
“So, at that point of time, you want the second guy who’s waiting. The guy waiting behind the door, ready to come out and say, ‘listen, I’m there.'”
“And that’s exactly how it should be handled, rather than saying, oh, we like him, people want to see him, so let’s bring him in. No, that’s being unfair on the guys who are already there,” said Karthik.
‘BETTER TO GIVE THE HARSH TRUTH’
For Kartik, keeping a player informed about his standing in the team is just as important as preparing him for the opportunity itself. He believes Gambhir and Shreyas are doing the right thing by communicating with Sooryavanshi and making it clear that, while he remains in the picture, his next chance will depend on circumstances and the performances of those ahead of him.
The message may not be easy for a young player to accept, especially one who has generated so much excitement, but Kartik believes honesty is the best approach.
“Even if you have to give them the harsh truth, it’s better to give it to them, because you take it on your chin. You might not like it; it’s not palatable for a while, but it is what it is. You have to deal with it and move on.”
“I think that is the best way to go about things. Because Shreyas has spoken about it, Gautam has spoken about it, I’m pretty sure they’re having the right word with Sooryavanshi, because he’s there. Nobody is saying that he’s not there. It’s just that sometimes when the others are doing well, you cannot. It is unfortunate, but it is what it is,” said Karthik.
Sooryavanshi will be part of India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. His presence will keep hopes of a debut alive, but fans may have to temper their expectations. For now, the message from the team management appears clear: the talent is recognised, the opportunity will come, but patience is part of the process.
– Ends
