Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's early dismissals in India A series highlight ODI transition challenge
Right through the Indian Premier League, when 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed with his attacking strokeplay, a question began to form: could he be fast-tracked into the senior Indian team? While he was considered for the T20 squad for the tour of the United Kingdom, the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, decided to include him in the India A squad for the series in Sri Lanka. This was seen as a prudent move, giving him exposure to the 50-over format, which lies between the immediate demands of T20 and the longer rhythms of Test cricket.
In Sri Lanka, the conditions have often required a more measured approach. The pitches have been two-paced, and batsmen have needed to apply themselves. However, in each of his four innings so far, Sooryavanshi has shown the same attacking intent that marked his IPL performances. He has provided rapid starts, but has not been able to convert them into substantial scores.
In the first match, he tried to clear the infield and was caught at mid-off. In the second, he attempted an upper cut off a short delivery and was caught in the cordon. Later, against Sri Lanka, he skied a wide delivery off an off-spinner. On Thursday, against Afghanistan A, he was given a reprieve when the third umpire ruled a catch had been taken cleanly, despite Sooryavanshi himself starting to walk. He then survived a dropped chance on 8 before eventually falling to a short ball for 38 off 28 deliveries. It was the third time in the series he was dismissed inside the fourth over; the other instance saw him bat until the first ball of the eighth over.
The pattern is clear: Sooryavanshi has the ability to score quickly when the ball is new, but in the 50-over format, there is value in batting deep and building an innings. The A team setup is intended for grooming players, bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket. It offers selectors a clearer picture of a player's readiness. Sooryavanshi's early exits have raised the question of whether he has been given the right guidance for this format. At the IPL, his franchise reportedly preferred not to overload him with instructions, but at the national level, a more structured approach may be needed.
Learning to leave deliveries, rotate strike, and pace an innings are skills that will determine his success in longer formats. The ongoing series is an important part of his learning curve. With the right support, Sooryavanshi can refine his game and fulfill the potential he has shown. For now, the focus remains on his development, and the selectors will likely assess his progress over time.
