Former India captain Sourav Ganguly calmed the excitement surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection in India’s T20I team, saying the teenage batting prodigy should not be burdened with expectations.
The 15-year-old became the youngest player to be included in the national side when he was selected for the away T20I assignments in Ireland, England and the Asian Games in Japan.
“I think we should let him be, he’s just 15-year-old and I don’t think he’ll bother too much about pressure and that’s what we get to see him in the IPL,” Ganguly told PTI.
Ganguly said the conditions would be different and he has to adapt accordingly.
“Obviously, playing for India is different and he will be touring where the wickets will be a little different,” Ganguly said.
“It will seam and there will be a bit more bounce and a bit more movement with the new ball, so the game is a bit different, but I think he’s got enormous talent,” he added.
“… so just let him be, don’t expect the world from him straightaway. Just allow him to settle down because you know he’s got a lot of talent like many others in India,” he said.
Meanwhile, former South Africa batter AB de Villiers did not read much into Sooryavanshi’s lack of experience and said he has “broken down the door” for national team selection.
“It is easy to say that he is still too young or he is not ready or (needs to) go for more experience,” de Villiers said.
“… but he has broken down the door (for selection) and he deserves his place in the Indian T20 team so I am happy for him,” he added.
