Much of the attention of Indian cricket currently rests with the impending series against Zimbabwe. That is to take place from July 23 and the India tour to Zimbabwe comprises 3 T20 internationals. But as is often the case with the team given where it stands in the past 12-18 months, selection has often come under heavy scrutiny especially where the fans are concerned. While there was such flagrant criticism offered in the wake of Sanju Samson being dropped from the side, there was widespread applause given young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was picked for the Zimbabwe series.

After missing out from being played against Ireland and being given just 2 games in the T20I leg of the contests against England in what was a long and ultimately unsuccessful tour in the UK, the Indian cricket establishment will be hoping that the big hitting left handed batter comes good in this series.

And truth be told, it won’t be so easy for anyone in particular to shine brightly almost immediately against the Sikandar Raza led Zimbabwe team, that’s been playing some exceptional cricket as seen lately.  

But ahead of the 3-match series, when asked about the quality that Sooryavanshi brings to the India side and just what his talent is about, the Zimbabwean skipper weighed in on his thoughts about the young 15-year-old.

Raza alluded to the fact that if a young cricketer is directed criticism at after just 2 odd innings in an Indian jersey, then it doesn’t augur that well on the cricketer’s mindset. It’s something that, according to the experienced Zimbabwean captain, is contrary to how one should be. Sikandar Raza also shared that there’s hardly a doubt about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s talent with the bat. Stating in no uncertain terms that Sooryavanshi is a generational talent, Raza also asserted on the importance of handling the 15-year-old well. That he has several experienced cricketers around him, there’s a definite need to manage his talent well!

“To see what he has done in the last one year and what he did for India as an Under -19 cricketer is special,” Raza further noted.

All of that being said, the new series gives the brilliant talent a fresh opportunity to get some runs under his belt. This is of course the batter’s first ever tour to Africa and the first time that he’ll be up against Raza and his spirited team. He’ll be delighted to make this count.