'Criticising him isn't justified': Sikandar Raza defends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has publicly defended 15-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, asserting that criticism of the young player is unwarranted given his early struggles in international cricket. Sooryavanshi, who made his T20I debut for India in a series against England, scored 14, 13, and 15 in three matches as India lost the series 0-4. His performance was further challenged by England fast bowler Jofra Archer’s short-ball deliveries, which led to two dismissals during the series. Despite the modest figures, Raza expressed confidence in Sooryavanshi’s potential, calling him a “generational talent” if properly guided. Sooryavanshi’s journey to international recognition began with a standout performance in the Under-19 World Cup final in January, where he scored 175 runs off 80 balls to help India secure the title. Now returning to Harare, the city where his cricketing success began, Sooryavanshi is set to take on a crucial role in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. Sanju Samson, India’s opening batsman, is unavailable for the tour, creating an opportunity for Sooryavanshi to step up at the top of the order. The series begins on Thursday, with matches scheduled in Harare on July 25 and 26. Raza emphasized that Sooryavanshi’s rapid ascent through the ranks is itself an exceptional feat, especially considering his early international debut at the age of 15. He highlighted the support Sooryavanshi receives from experienced teammates and stressed the need for careful management of the young player’s development. “To see what he has done over the last year, what he has done for India Under-19, and the fact that he made his international debut at the same age, these are no small feats,” Raza said. “You don’t get to hear such stories nowadays. Vaibhav is special.” Looking ahead to the series, Raza dismissed the notion that India is a clear favorite, noting that both teams have equal chances of emerging victorious. Zimbabwe enters the competition confident following a string of notable victories, including a 23-run win over Australia at the ICC T20 World Cup in Colombo earlier this year. This result contributed to Australia’s unexpected elimination from the tournament. Additionally, Zimbabwe has recorded wins against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh this season. Raza, who has represented Zimbabwe in 136 T20 Internationals, described the series as highly competitive and entertaining due to Zimbabwe’s consistent performances. He acknowledged India’s aggressive batting style, which can either dominate or create opportunities for the opposition depending on how it unfolds. “If it clicks on the day, they’ll bat you out of the game. But with high-risk cricket, sometimes it doesn’t come off, and when that happens and the total isn’t as big, the other team does have a chance,” Raza explained. Both teams are undergoing transitions, which Raza believes makes the series more balanced than anticipated. “I don’t see it as a one-sided series,” he added. Raza also praised the enduring friendship between India and Zimbabwe in cricket, highlighting the benefits of competing against world-class teams. “India has been a great friend to Zimbabwe cricket. From the players’ point of view, it’s about the growth of the players and the exposure they get from playing against the world champions, as India are.” The series promises to be a test of skill and resilience for both sides, with the outcome yet to be decided.