Former India batter Wasim Jaffer believed that the Indian team management rushed teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into international cricket, arguing that the decision was more influenced by public excitement than cricketing logic.Jaffer’s comments came after India recalled Sanju Samson for the fifth and final T20I against England, dropped the 15-year-old opener after scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his three outings. Samson started the series but was dropped from the second game to accommodate Sooryavanshi before returning for the series finale.“I think we rushed the inclusion of Vaibhav,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel. “There was a lot of media hype around him, and the public was very emotional to see him play. Otherwise, I would have said that India should continue with Sanju Samson.”The former opener felt that Sooryavanshi would benefit from spending more time in the national setup before making his debut.“Vaibhav will have to wait for his opportunity, and when that opportunity comes, he can grab it. He is very young, and he can learn a lot just by going around the team and watching cricket from the outside,” Jaffer said.
“We got carried away by the hype”
Jaffer questioned India’s frequent changes at the top of the order, saying the management appeared to be reacting to the growing clamor surrounding the teenager.“It feels like we are getting carried away by the media hype. Every time Vaibhav doesn’t play, there is a lot of talk about it,” he said.“I just think he should wait. If you are absolutely convinced that Sanju is not in good form or not playing well, then you can take that decision. But eventually, you feel that you rush Vaibhav into the team,” he added.Jaffer also expressed surprise at the handling of Samson, who was left out of India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, while Sooryavanshi retained his place.“Then, after giving him three matches, you brought back Sanju. Sanju himself played only one match, and now he is out of the Zimbabwe tour. Dropping him from the Zimbabwe tour seems a little strange to me because I am sure he wants to play,” said Jaffer.“As it is, he has only played one format for India. He should be given regular opportunities. I am sure Sanju Samson will be part of the plans for the next World Cup because he is a match-winner.
Yuvraj upholds the uniqueness of teenagers
While Jaffer urged patience, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh expressed great confidence in Sooryavanshi’s long-term future.Speaking to JioHotstar, Yuvraj compared the evolution of India’s fearless batsmen to the Terminator film franchise, describing Sooryavanshi as the latest and most advanced version after himself and his protégé. Abhishek Sharma.“I have always called myself Terminator. Now there is Terminator 4, Abhishek Sharma, who is four times better than me. And after him comes Terminator 6, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is even better,” said Yuvraj.The World Cup-winning all-rounder added that he would like to mentor the youngster in the future, believing that Sooryavanshi has the potential to enjoy a long and successful international career despite his early setbacks.