Old Indian ship Wasim Jaffer believed that the Indian team management rushed teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into international cricket, arguing that the decision was influenced more by public excitement than cricketing logic.Jaffer’s remarks came after India recalled Saint Samson for the fifth and final T20I against England, leaving the opener at 15 after scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his three outings. Samson had started the series but was left out from the second game onwards to host Sooryavanshi before returning for the series finale.“I think we rushed Vaibhav’s inclusion,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel. “There was a lot of media hype around him, and the public was very emotional to see him play. Otherwise, he would have already said that India should continue with Sanju Samson.”The former opener feels that Sooryavanshi would have benefited from spending more time around the national set-up before making his debut.“Vaibhav had to wait for his opportunity, and when the opportunity came, he could have taken it. He is still very young, and he can learn a lot just by being around the team and watching cricket from the outside,” Jaffer said.
“We got carried away by the hype”
Jaffer questioned India’s constant changes at the top of the order, saying the management appeared to be reacting to the growing clamor surrounding the teenager.“It felt like we were being carried away by media hype. Whenever Vaibhav didn’t play, there was a lot of discussion about it,” he said.“I just think he should have been made to wait. If you were absolutely convinced that Sanju wasn’t in good form or wasn’t playing well, then you could have made that decision. But in the end, it felt like you rushed Vaibhav into the team,” he added.Jaffer also expressed surprise at the handling of Samson, who has been omitted from India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, while Sooryavanshi has retained his place.“So, after giving three matches, you brought Sanju back. Sanju himself played only one match, and now he has been left out of the Zimbabwe tour. Leaving him out of the Zimbabwe tour also seemed a little strange to me because I’m sure he would have wanted to play,” Jaffer said.“As it is, he is only playing one format for India. He should be given regular opportunities. I am sure Sanju Samson will be part of the plans for the next World Cup because he is a match winner. The way things are developing has really surprised me,” he added.
Yuvraj supports the teenage prodigy
While Jaffer urged patience, the former India allrounder Yuvraj Singh expressed immense confidence in the long-term future of Sooryavanshi.Speaking to JioHotstar, Yuvraj compared the evolution of India’s fearless batsmen to the Terminator film franchise, describing Sooryavanshi as the latest and most advanced version after him and his protégé. Abhishek Sharma.“I always call myself a Terminator. Now there is Terminator 4, Abhishek Sharma, who is four times better than me. And after him comes Terminator 6, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has evolved even more,” said Yuvraj.The World Cup winner added that he would like to guide the youngster in the future, believing Sooryavanshi has the potential to enjoy a long and successful international career despite his early struggles.