Former India head coach Ravi Shastri asked: Team India:The decision to keep teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI despite including him in the squads for the T20 series in Ireland and England. The 15-year-old batting prodigy, who created a lot of excitement after his impressive performance in IPL:is yet to make his international debut after missing all of Ireland’s matches and the opening T20I against England.Speaking during the live broadcast of the India-England first T20I, Shastri said the youngster should be given an opportunity during the Ireland series, especially considering the conditions. He believes that Vaibhav has already proved his abilities against top-quality bowlers and will not have to wait much longer. “He should be playing in Ireland. That’s a slow and spongy track; he’s hitting it through the roof because it’s a small ground. He should be playing there. I don’t know if he’s going to play here. I’m not sure if they’re going to play him, but get him as soon as possible.
‘He’s an X-factor’
Shastri further emphasized that Vaibhav’s fearless and youthful approach will give India a huge advantage at the top of the order. According to the former coach, the teenager’s aggressive batting style will help set up strong totals and create momentum for the middle order.“They have to play him because he is an X-factor. He has no baggage. He is 15 years old and a youthful exuberance. He has no fear. So, we have to find a place for him, the sooner, the better,” Shastri added.Vaibhav also did not play in the Indian XI for the first T20I against England, which was eventually abandoned due to rain. It remains to be seen whether the team management will give the youngster his long-awaited international debut in the remaining matches of the series.