Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-anticipated debut for India has divided the cricketing fraternity, with former players debating whether the team management has stunted the teenage prodigy’s development. Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has now joined the conversation, supporting the young batsman but disagreeing with India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Duchardposition.“He (Sooryavanshi) is absolutely ready to play international cricket; there is no doubt about it. Also, Sanju Samson is a guy who contributed a lot in helping us win the World Cup three months ago,” India assistant coach Ryan Ten Dushat said.“He’s done pretty well in the IPL and it’s important to give confidence to the players and send the message to the players that we want them to be in the team for the long term. We are all happy to see Vaibhav in action but he also has to go through the same process. There’s no doubt how good he is,” he added.However, AB de Villiers disagrees with this approach.“When will he be released? I thought the Ireland series was a great opportunity for him to play international cricket. Unfortunately, he never got the opportunity. I beg to differ with Ryan Ten Douchat who said Solivanshi has to go through the process like every other player. After he has played in the IPL, it is time to take him deep, especially against a ranked YouTube channel like Ireland.Sanju Samson’s poor performance in three consecutive innings further strengthened Sooryavanshi’s debut chances. Earlier, cricket legends including Ravi Shastri, Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook had also said that Soriyavanshi should make his debut in the two-match T20I series against Ireland.On the other side of the debate are Cheteshwar Pujara and Saba Karim, who feel that Sooryavanshi’s inclusion should not come at the expense of a proven performer.After suffering a 0-2 series defeat against Afghanistan, the Indian team is still looking for a turnaround in the England tour.
