Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s positive approach on debut but cautioned that the 15-year-old batter will face a tougher test as opposing bowlers start to identify and plan around his game. Sooryavanshi scored 14 off 10 balls in the second T20I against England in Manchester before being dismissed by spin, as India fell to a four-wicket defeat.
Despite the result, Pathan found much to admire in the teenager’s attitude at the crease. Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan, the former all-rounder reflected on the wider significance of a 15-year-old making his international debut in England.
“A 15-year-old boy playing international cricket is not just the biggest takeaway for the Indian team from that game, but for world cricket. He is inspiring a whole new generation of young boys and girls by saying, ‘If I can do it, you can do it too,’” Pathan said on JioStar.
While acknowledging that broader impact, Pathan said Sooryavanshi would still have been disappointed not to carry his start into a bigger knock.
“He will be disappointed that he got out for 14 after facing 10 balls, so even in terms of strike rate, he fell a bit short of the standards he has set for himself. But I liked that he didn’t shy away from playing his natural game,” Pathan added.
Irfan Pathan urges Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to prepare for bowlers’ counter-plans
Beyond the debut itself, Pathan zeroed in on the technical adjustments Sooryavanshi will need to make as opponents begin building specific strategies around him, particularly against spin.
“He is a special talent, no doubt, but he needs to make sure he is ready for the plans bowlers will come up with against him. Like in the first game, if you want to step out against the spinners in England, it’s not a bad option since the ball doesn’t turn that much there, but you need to maintain your balance and not move too far away from the ball,” Pathan said.
Can India bounce back in the must-win third T20I at Trent Bridge?
With the five-match series finely poised at 1-1, the visitors face a crucial third T20I at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, later on Tuesday, July 7. Pathan recommended just one change to the playing XI, with Prince Yadav coming in for Ravi Bishnoi to give India additional pace cover.
“I would like to see only one change in the XI, Prince Yadav coming in for Ravi Bishnoi, unless you expect the pitch to grip and turn,” the former all-rounder added.
The third T20I takes place at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Tuesday, July 7, with the five-match series tied at 1-1.
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