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New Delhi: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has divided the cricket world, with former players debating whether the Indian management is holding back the teenager. AB de Villiers has recently joined the conversation, backing Sooryavanshi and disagreeing with India coach Ryan ten Doeschate’s stance.

The youngster was part of the T20I series against Ireland but was benched in both matches, where India suffered a 2-0 series defeat. However, Sooryavanshi was still expected to make his debut in the first match against England, but the established opening pair was preferred.

Ryan ten Doeschate said the teenager needs to wait for his opportunity, and that experienced players have done nothing wrong to be replaced.

However, AB de Villiers disagreed with Doeschate’s approach and questioned when the youngster would be unleashed. He also said that debuting against Ireland would have been a better opportunity for Sooryavanshi.

“When will he (Sooryavanshi) be unleashed? I thought the Ireland series was the perfect opportunity for him to come in and get a feel for international cricket. It was unfortunate that he never got an opportunity,” AB said on his YouTube channel.

“I beg to differ with Ryan Ten Doeschate, saying Sooryavanshi has to go through the process like any other player. After the IPL he had, it was time to throw him into the deep end, especially against a lower-ranked team like Ireland,” he added.

After a disappointing 2-0 loss to Ireland, AB suggested that the players should adapt to better conditions in the UK and play more strategically, as scoring conditions there are not the same as in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“There is some work to do for Team India. They need to regroup, reset, and find a method to play in the UK. It’s not easy under those conditions, where the scores aren’t like they are in the IPL. You don’t get to the 250s and 260s there. It is more strategic and tactical out there, where sometimes 140 or 160 is enough,” AB de Villiers said.

However, India is looking for a turnaround as they continue their England tour.

Along with De Villiers, Ravi Shastri, Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook have said Sooryavanshi should have made his T20I debut in the Ireland series. However, another group, including Cheteshwar Pujara and Saba Karim, believe the youngster’s debut should not come at the expense of an experienced performer.

Curated by Shriti Mazumdar