Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricketing prodigy, is currently the focus of intense discussion surrounding India's T20I squad. While no official announcement has been made, speculation is rife that his inclusion could lead to Sanju Samson being dropped, with Ishan Kishan potentially shifting to the No. 3 position.
Suryavanshi's burgeoning talent has been making waves in Indian cricket. His coach, Manish Ojha, firmly believes that Vaibhav is ready for the big stage, particularly in the T20 format. Ojha highlights Vaibhav's maturity and ability to handle pressure, citing his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he played in front of large crowds.
"In my opinion, he's absolutely ready, at least for the Indian T20 team," Ojha stated, emphasizing Vaibhav's potential to excel in T20Is and ODIs. He also pointed out the encouragement and guidance Vaibhav received from Rahul Dravid, particularly on handling media attention and staying focused on developing his game.
Vaibhav's coach saw him hitting 90-metre sixes when he was 10 years old and is confident that the pressure of international cricket will not overwhelm the youngster.
The debate around Suryavanshi's inclusion also brings into focus the cases of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Samson, despite being a part of the T20I squad, has faced inconsistency in his performances. On the other hand, Kishan, who last played for India in 2023, recently topped the run-scoring charts at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. If Suryavanshi is included, Kishan might be considered for the No. 3 spot, given his experience and aggressive batting style.
The potential inclusion of Vaibhav Suryavanshi would be a historic moment for Indian cricket. At 14 years and 263 days, he could become one of the youngest players to debut in international cricket. Previously, only three 14-year-olds have achieved this feat: Pakistan's Hasan Raza, Kuwait's Meet Bhavsar, and Sierra Leone's George Sesay.
However, some experts urge caution, emphasizing that success at the age-group level doesn't always translate to the international stage. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will need to carefully consider all factors before making a final decision.
Currently, Suryavanshi is focused on the U19 Asia Cup and the upcoming U19 World Cup. Following that, he is expected to return to the Rajasthan Royals for the IPL season.
