Team India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has showered praise on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach on his India debut but said the teenager’s dismissal against England came while attempting a shot that does not suit his natural batting style. His remarks came after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much awaited international debut ended with scoring 14 off 10 balls against England on Saturday in the second T20I in Manchester.
15-year-old batting sensation has started entertaining fans with a blistering six against world class pacer Jofra Archer. Despite the early dismissal, the youngster grabbed attention with two towering sixes before former India captain Sunil Gavaskar analysed the shot that led to his wicket.
Sooryavanshi, who became India’s youngest international debutant at 15 years and 99 days, was stumped by Jos Buttler off Will Jacks in the fifth over after advancing down the pitch and missing an attempted cut shot.
Reacting to the dismissal during the broadcast, Gavaskar said the stroke was unlike the youngster’s usual batting style. “That is not his shot. His shot is the cover drive,” Gavaskar said.
Before Sooryavanshi walked out to bat, Gavaskar had expressed confidence in the teenager and said cricket fans across the country would be eager to see him scoring runs. Calling him “India’s baby”, the batting legend said he would not be surprised if the youngster made an impact from the very first delivery.
With his inclusion in the playing XI, Sooryavanshi surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s youngest international debutant. Tendulkar had made his Test debut at 16 years and 205 days and his ODI debut at 16 years and 238 days.
Although he struggled initially against the extra pace and bounce, Sooryavanshi showed glimpses of his aggressive batting by clearing the ropes twice. His first six came off Jofra Archer with an innovative whip-scoop behind square, while the second was a powerful hit over long-on against Josh Tongue.
England captain Harry Brook then introduced Will Jacks into the attack. The off-spinner deceived the youngster with a loopy delivery outside off stump as Sooryavanshi advanced down the pitch, missed the ball completely and was comfortably stumped by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.
Despite the teenager’s early departure, India posted 190/7, with Tilak Varma’s late batting helping the visitors finish strongly. However, England chase down the target in 19 over conceding 6 wickets.