Former West Indies player Ian Bishop has confidently claimed that Rajasthan Royals (RR) starlet Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is more than ready to take the next big step and represent India on the international stage.
Bishop wants a second-string India team to feature the 15-year-old opening batter in the squad, along with other Indian Premier League (IPL) stars like Prabhsimran Singh and Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill.
“You tell me if you disagree. I’m picking three openers in my squad. I want a left-right match-up as much as I can. Shubman Gill has been in good form, so I’ve gone with him. The left-hander is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. I think he is ready to take another step. And I’ve gone with Prabhsimran Singh. Priyansh Arya was in there as well, but I think Prabh has been in better form this season,” Bishop said on ESPNcricinfo.
Sooryavanshi has already proved he is capable of international cricket, having already faced top-quality bowlers in the IPL. The left-handed opener famously hit Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood for a six on the very first ball that he faced from these great bowlers. He is also currently in the race to win the Orange Cap in his first full season in the IPL. The opening batter has scored 404 runs at a strike-rate of 237.64, which is the highest amongst all batters who have scored more than 300 runs in this season.
It is widely reported that Sooryavanshi could be part of the India squad travelling to Ireland for a two-match T20I series before their white-ball tour of England. Should he make his international debut, he will become the youngest men’s player to represent the Men in Blue, beating the record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar.
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As things stand, Sooryavanshi is leading RR’s challenge for their second IPL title, and first since the inaugural season in 2008. Riyan Parag’s side are currently fourth in the standings with 12 points to their name.
