Should Vaibhav Sooryavanshi return to domestic cricket to get more game time or should he continue travelling with the Indian team even if he does not get a chance to play? Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has made his position clear, arguing that remaining part of the national squad is a legitimate role, even for a young player who spends most of his time on the bench.
Dinesh Karthik believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be needed at any time if one of India’s top-three batters, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma or Ishan Kishan, gets injured. Therefore, he feels that keeping the youngster with the team makes sense, even if he is not currently part of the playing XI.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi last represented India at the Asian Games in Japan, where the team included him as an additional batter and played with one fewer bowler. After that, he was left out of the playing XI for the three T20Is against Afghanistan and the five T20Is against the West Indies, remaining on the bench throughout those matches.
Earlier, during India’s tour of England in August, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replaced Sanju Samson after Samson was dropped following three poor performances. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir later admitted that the decision had been a mistake. Captain Shreyas Iyer has also indicated that the current opening combination will continue to receive support because of its success as a World Cup-winning partnership.
These developments have raised concerns about whether India are affecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s growth by keeping him with the national squad instead of allowing him to play domestic cricket for Bihar during the ongoing domestic season.
However, Dinesh Karthik does not agree with this argument. Speaking on a show, he explained that if every player who misses out on the playing XI is sent home to play domestic cricket, teams would eventually travel with only 11 players. He added that if Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is considered too special to remain on the bench, the same question could be raised about the other five reserve players in the squad. According to DK, this approach would have no logical end.
The former cricketer acknowledged that spending time on the sidelines does not necessarily help Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s development. However, he stressed that being part of a cricket team also means accepting that only 11 players can take the field at a time. He expressed hope that the team management had held an honest conversation with the youngster about his role and situation.
India are now scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. At present, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s most likely opportunity to feature appears to be in the final couple of matches, provided the visiting team has already secured the series early.
For the young batter, the upcoming series could therefore be another test of patience as he waits for an opportunity to prove himself at the international level.
What is your take on this matter?
Sanju Samson Reveals India’s Chase Strategy After Historic Win Over New Zealand
Glenn Phillips Loses His Cool Over India Reporter’s Question, Asks Him How Many You Drop
Harry Brook Scripts History, Scores Double Century In ODI But Also Registers Unwanted Record Of….
Hardik Pandya’s Comeback Delayed Again? Star All-Rounder Could Remain Out Until IPL 2027
