Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the 15-year-old sensation from Rajasthan Royals is not yet ready to be part of the Indian team. His statement comes amid an ongoing debate among cricket experts on whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be fast-tracked into the national setup.
Ashwin made it clear that while the youngster possesses immense talent, there is no need to rush his development. According to him, the best approach for the BCCI and selectors is to allow Sooryavanshi to continue playing and evolving without the burden of expectations.
Is Ravichandran Ashwin not impressed by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s performance?
In the opening game against Chennai Super Kings, Vaibhav impressed everyone with a match-winning knock of 52 runs off just 17 balls. During the innings, he showcased fearless intent and clean hitting, helping his team secure a dominant eight-wicket victory.
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There is no doubt that the youngster once again grabbed attention with his batting brilliance. Following his performance, several experts urged the BCCI to fast-track him into the Indian team, considering his immense potential and bright future.
However, Ravichandran Ashwin offered a contrasting viewpoint. He cautioned fans and experts against putting unnecessary pressure on the teenager, emphasizing the importance of letting him grow naturally.
“Don’t give him such a target. He is not even a guy, he is a kid. If MS Dhoni is playing till 45 [44], and if Sooryavanshi plays till 40, he has two and a half decades left in cricket. Leave him alone, he will come on his own when the time is right. He is too good to not play for India. He will play anyway eventually. When will he play? For that, we might have to wait a bit. Why are we always in a hurry?” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Ravichandran Ashwin praises the youngster’s bat speed and match-winning impact
Going further, R Ashwin also heaped praise on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his extraordinary batting display against his former side. He highlighted the youngster’s remarkable bat speed and composure at such a young age.
Ravichandran Ashwin pointed out that just days after turning 15, Sooryavanshi delivered a stunning half-century in just 15 balls, underlining his immense potential. The way he dominated the bowlers with clean and fearless hitting was beyond expectations for someone so young.
“He turned 15 years old, so he scored a 15-ball 50, he is showing his age. I mean, what a player he is? How fast is his bat speed? CSK had no answers against him, they looked a flat, deflated unit on the field. RR have put on such a dominating performance that they have said, ‘Look at us, we are also a powerful team in this competition’,” Ashwin added.
Ravichandran Ashwin urges patience as Sooryavanshi’s rise sparks national debate
Ashwin’s remarks underline an important aspect of modern cricket: managing young talent with care rather than rushing them into the spotlight. While Sooryavanshi has already shown glimpses of becoming a future star, the leap from franchise cricket to the international stage comes with significant challenges.
Handling pressure, maintaining consistency, and adapting to different conditions are all part of the journey. The youngster’s fearless approach and natural stroke play make him one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket today. However, as Ravichandran Ashwin rightly suggests, giving him time and space to grow could be the key to ensuring a long and successful career at the highest level.
After winning their opening game against Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals will be seen playing their 2nd match of the tournament against Gujarat Titans on April 4 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Also read: Ravindra Jadeja says he had no conversation with MS Dhoni after RR move