The vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Rajiv Shukla addressed the clamour over the delay in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi‘s India debut and categorically stated that it is a call that will be taken by the captain and the coach. His remarks come after multiple former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Ab de Villiers, among others have advocated for the 15-year-old’s inclusion in the playing XI in the ongoing ENG vs IND T20I series. Toeing the line of the coaches and captain Shreyas Iyer, Shukla said that while Vaibhav is talented, he will have to wait for his opportunity.
BCCI on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s delayed debut
Speaking to Times Now, the BCCI vice-president stated that captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir will take the final call on Sooryavanshi, adding that they will surely give him the chance when the opportunity arises. The veteran administrator admitted that Vaibhav was immensely talented and had showcased it in the IPL. Shukla said that there was no need to make unnecessary comments about the delay in Vaibhav’s debut, adding that such decisions should be left to the wisdom of the team management.
“We are also of the view that he is a very talented player, and he showcased that during the IPL. I have seen several comments against the team management and the coaches, but I want to make it very clear that the coach and captain will make the final decision. They are looking at the situation, and whenever the right opportunity arises, they will definitely give him his chance. So, such decisions should be left to the wisdom of the team management. I don’t know why such unnecessary comments are being made about it,” the BCCI vice-president said.
India to stick with Samson-Sharma?
Meanwhile, India cricket team bowling coach reiterated that the team management will continue to back the existing set of openers. Speaking to reporters on the eve of the ENG vs IND 2nd T20I in Manchester, he said that it was imperative for the coaching staff to show faith and back the experienced players.
“Yes, there’s a young man knocking on the door, and it’s exciting, but I reckon for not just those two players at the top, but for the rest of the group, it’s a good sign that we show that we back you guys. It’s about putting performances on the board; that is key. But also, if you look at it, we also don’t want to think too much and bat other players out of positions,” Morkel said.
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