Harare: India’s coaching staff has made it clear that teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will not be rushed into becoming an all rounder, with the team choosing to prioritise the 15 year old’s batting development for now.
Stand in spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi said the youngster has been exceptional with the bat and the immediate focus will remain on helping him develop as a specialist batter before exploring other aspects of his game.
Sooryavanshi has enjoyed remarkable success in Harare, where he recently smashed an 18 ball half century against Zimbabwe after earlier producing a match winning 175 in the Under 19 World Cup final at the same venue. During that tournament, he also showcased his part time spin by claiming a wicket, prompting discussions about his all round potential.
However, Joshi stressed that the coaching staff is taking a measured approach to the teenager’s development. He said Sooryavanshi has looked extremely comfortable with his batting and that additional skills, including bowling, will be worked on gradually at the BCCI Centre of Excellence whenever the opportunity arises.
The coach also highlighted India’s growing pool of batting all rounders in the T20 setup. Opener Abhishek Sharma has developed into a dependable bowling option through his performances in the Indian Premier League, while vice captain Tilak Varma has also contributed useful overs in recent matches. Joshi noted that the coaching staff continues to work with these players on improving their bowling discipline and consistency.
Harsh Dubey was also praised for his performances, giving the team several spin bowling options alongside the specialist bowlers.
Following his record breaking fifty, which made him India’s youngest men’s international half centurion, Sooryavanshi is expected to be one of the key players when India takes on Zimbabwe in the second T20 International on Saturday, with the team hoping the teenage prodigy can continue his outstanding run of form.
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