Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has clarified his much-discussed remarks about teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying his comments were never intended to insult the youngster. Ashwin explained that his point was simply that spending some time on the sidelines could have helped the 15-year-old learn by observing experienced players, adding that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the potential to become a truly phenomenal batter.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to receive an India call-up last month. However, he remained on the bench for the first two matches against Ireland and the opening game of the England series. He then got an opportunity in three matches but was dropped again after failing to score more than 15 in any of those innings. The three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe turned into an important opportunity for the left-handed opener and he responded in style by scoring two half-centuries.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained that his earlier comments about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi spending time on the bench or helping teammates were never meant in a negative way. He said his intention was to highlight that young players can gain valuable experience by watching senior cricketers from close quarters. Ashwin stressed that the focus should not be on whether the youngster is picked or dropped but on allowing him enough time to develop naturally because he believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the talent to become an exceptional player.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also been named in India’s squad for the Asian Games in September, where he will compete with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for a place in the playing XI.
Ashwin also pointed out that the conditions in England and Zimbabwe were very different. England’s faster pitches and a high-quality pace attack, led by Jofra Archer, tested Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with short-pitched bowling. In Zimbabwe, the teenager adapted better to the conditions and executed his pull and hook shots much more effectively.
The former off-spinner urged fans and experts not to judge the youngster too quickly because every batter has strengths and weaknesses. Generalising his message, Ashwin said that even the greatest batters have struggled against certain types of bowling and dealing with such challenges is a normal part of international cricket. He added that young players improve by building on their strengths, working on their weaknesses behind the scenes, and learning from every outing instead of being written off after a few failures.
Ashwin also said that expectations around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have become unrealistically high because of the teenager’s impressive performances in the IPL. He explained that many now expect the youngster to deliver consistently like established stars such as Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma but that is not how a young career develops. According to Ashwin, every cricketer experiences highs and lows and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be given the time and patience needed to grow into his full potential.
