Team India captain Shreyas Iyer has backed young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The team management remains confident that Sooryavanshi, who had a difficult start to his international career, will overcome his early struggles and make a strong comeback.
The three-match T20I series between India and Zimbabwe will begin on July 23 in Harare. The series gives India a chance to return to winning ways. Iyer is also looking for his first series win as captain after back-to-back white-ball series defeats against Ireland and England, including a 4-0 whitewash in England.
I Don't Have to Give Much Advice - Shreyas Iyer on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Shreyas Iyer said that the team expects young players to review their own performances and work on their weaknesses. He added that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had enough time during the break after the T20I series to improve his game, so the team management did not need to give him advice.
"All the youngsters, I think, they have definitely practiced. There was a decent gap after the T20 series. So he (Sooryavanshi) must have rectified where he went wrong. So personally, I don't have to give much advice," Iyer told reporters before the first T20I.
Meanwhile, Speaking on JioHotstar, Sikandar Raza backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the 15-year-old should not be judged after just a few matches.
They Shouldn't Have the Fear of Failure - Shreyas Iyer Urges Players to Ignore Criticism
Shreyas Iyer also urged his teammates to play fearless cricket and not worry about outside opinions. He said that players perform at their best when they are free from the fear of failure.
"I feel that they shouldn't have the fear of failure. Because whenever there are such thoughts at the back of your mind, then you just play to survive. When there isn't the thought of fear of failure, then you can bring out the best from within yourself."
"So I have to convey this message that you shouldn't think much about the talk happening outside, what people will say, or as you said if this series goes up or down. We have to stay in the present day. The better cricket we play, the more we play with team unity, the more the team will benefit from it. We'll think about individuals later," Iyer said.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Faces a Big Test Against Zimbabwe's Bowling Attack
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned his India call-up after a sensational IPL season. He made his international debut at Old Trafford and became India's youngest-ever international cricketer, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record.
The left-hander scored 14, 13, and 15 in England and struggled against short-pitched bowling. His performances raised questions about his readiness for international cricket. The team management also faced criticism after dropping Sooryavanshi for the final T20I in Southampton to bring back Sanju Samson.
Zimbabwe have quality bowlers in Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, and Richard Ngarava. Sooryavanshi must adapt quickly to the conditions. He will need to spend time at the crease, avoid taking unnecessary risks early, and back his natural attacking game.
