Auckland: With the five-match T20I series moving to Auckland’s Eden Park for the fourth encounter on Friday, October 30, a confident Team India is eyeing a clean sweep after already securing an unassailable 3-0 lead against New Zealand. However, the primary focus ahead of the clash remains the composition of the playing XI, particularly regarding the potential return of Ishan Kishan and the fate of young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on this selection dilemma, offering a clear perspective on the team’s ideal batting order. According to Ashwin, if a fit-again Ishan Kishan makes his way back into the side, the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be the one to make way.
Ishan Kishan was forced to sit out of the second and third matches after sustaining an injury during the series opener, which paved the way for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion. The teenager batted at number three in his debut innings and was subsequently promoted to open the batting in the third T20I, with Sanju Samson shifting to the number three spot.
Speaking to the series broadcaster Sony Liv, Ashwin explained the tactical reasoning behind dropping the youngster.
“In this combination, when Ishan Kishan is not there and Sooryavanshi has to come in, this probably looks like the perfect order, because Sanju has the experience of playing at number 3,” Ashwin noted. “However, if Ishan returns tomorrow, I think Vaibhav will go out and Sanju will return to his opening spot, which he deserves.“
Ashwin also emphasised the importance of managing expectations surrounding the immensely talented Sooryavanshi. The veteran spinner expressed high hopes for the young prodigy, who showcased his explosive abilities by smashing 45 runs off just 19 deliveries in his second outing. Despite this brilliant knock, Ashwin cautioned against rushing the teenager’s development, advocating that the 15-year-old must be protected from the crushing weight of undue expectations at this early stage of his career.