Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be released from India’s squad and allowed to play Ranji Trophy for Bihar. Chopra reckons India’s team management is wasting Sooryavanshi’s talent if they are not giving him opportunities in the final XI.
Sooryavanshi didn’t get his chances in the five T20Is against the West Indies and after the series against Afghanistan, head coach Gautam Gambhir said the youngster will need to wait for his chances.
The young lad last played two matches in the Asian Games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Aakash Chopra said on Cricinfo, “Yes, he should be released. I was also reading somewhere that if he is not playing, then at least let him go to school. He is only 15 years old. But jokes aside, the truth is that if he is not able to play continuously [for India], then he should be allowed to play Ranji Trophy. His cricketing talent is very good, but he is in his formative years. If he is not able to play first-class cricket, if he is not able to be a part of the Indian playing XI, then we are wasting his talent.”
On the other hand, the renowned commentator praised Naman Dhir for scoring an impressive knock of 42 runs off just 15 balls in the first T20I against New Zealand. The right-hander smashed five fours and two sixes and helped India in getting over the line in the run chase of 226.
He added, “Naman Dhir has stamped his authority with this innings. Even before this, the indications he gave were that he can play very well. He has a very good temperament, and he can finish matches with composure. If you make 42 runs in 15 balls in New Zealand, then you have to say that he has secured his place in the team.”
The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Saturday.
