Former selector Sarandeep Singh backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India T20I debut against England

Former selector Sarandeep Singh has urged India to hand 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his T20I debut against England in Durham. Sarandeep emphasized the need for a rotation policy, backing the young batsman to transition his stellar form into international cricket

New Delhi: Former India selector Sarandeep Singh wants to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian playing eleven for the T20 series opener against England in Durham.

Sooryavanshi did not get to play in the series against Ireland that world champions India lost 0-2. If he plays against England on Wednesday, he would become the youngest cricketer to play for India.

---

“He should have played (against Ireland). The team management has to see how it should place him in the playing eleven. Sometimes tough calls have to be made. Give some senior players rest and he might get his opportunity.

“If you are building the team for the future, then a rotation policy must come into play. Then you have to sit some players out and give them an opportunity,” Sarandeep told PTI on the sidelines of the DPL auction here.

The 15-year-old was in stellar form in the IPL before scoring a match winning 94 off 29 balls for India A in Sri Lanka.

Sarandeep backed Sooryavanshi to carry that form at the highest level.

“This is the time to test him; don’t leave him out. If there is an opportunity, just play him in the XI. The form which he is in right now, this is the right time to start playing with him as soon as possible.The way he is batting, he can win matches on your own,” the former India spinner observed.

Sarandeep feels Sooryavanshi can go on to represent India in all formats.

“He is very young, he can also learn red-ball skills. He is also playing for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy. He has the talent to play all 3 formats,” he noted.