Ravichandran Ashwin has a clear view on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The former India spinner wants people to give the teenager room to grow. He says fans and experts should not pile on pressure too soon. Ashwin also thinks Sooryavanshi should make way for Sanju Samson at the top if Ishan Kishan comes back. That would be for the next T20I against New Zealand.
Sooryavanshi made a big impact in the third T20I. He hit 45 off just 19 balls. India chased 199 with 6.4 overs to spare. The teenager and Abhishek Sharma put on a record 133-run opening stand. It showed he can take on bowlers from the first ball.
Ashwin praised the youngster’s fearless style. He said Sooryavanshi had already shown his talent in the IPL. He expects big things from him. Ashwin said on SonyLiv that Sooryavanshi is a very special player. He looks forward to seeing him do many special things.
But Ashwin feels Samson should get his opening spot back if Kishan is fit. Kishan’s injury had opened the door for Sooryavanshi. Samson moved to No. 3 in the last game. Ashwin said Samson has the experience to handle No. 3. But his past performances have earned him the right to open. Ashwin said if Kishan comes back, Sooryavanshi should head out and Samson should slot back into the spot he deserves.
Ashwin’s bigger point is patience. He said it is too early for big statements about Sooryavanshi. He hopes the boy gets breathing space. He said Sooryavanshi will be the poster boy of Indian cricket one day. But everyone needs to step back and let him enjoy the game.
Ashwin spoke about his own early days. He played a lot of cricket as a kid. At 16, he was enjoying games on club grounds in Chennai. That is what a 16-year-old should do. He said Sooryavanshi did something spectacular on Tuesday. But he will not jump to conclusions. He called him a talent to watch. He said, ‘Let him enjoy his cricket and let everyone enjoy watching him bat.’
Sooryavanshi came into the XI for the second T20I after Kishan got hurt. He struggled at No. 3 and made just 4 off 8 balls. For the third T20I, Samson moved down, and the teenager opened with Abhishek. The move worked. The two put on a record opening stand. That put India on course for the chase. Ashwin backs Samson to open again and Sooryavanshi to keep developing away from the spotlight.
…Maps Out What CSK Would Have to Give Up for Hardik
The Hardik Pandya trade saga now has a fourth serious bidder. Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube show, Ash x Pdogg, that the Chennai Super Kings entered the race just two days ago. That puts them against three other teams chasing the Mumbai Indians captain, who is 32. Ashwin worked through the numbers with analyst Prasanna Agoram and laid out why a simple swap will not get it done.
His starting point is that Mumbai will not settle for Shivam Dube alone. They also want Ayush Mhatre, the 19-year-old opener, and Ashwin does not see Mumbai agreeing to anything without him. That creates a problem, because CSK are reluctant to part with Mhatre or with Khaleel Ahmed, their left-arm new-ball bowler.
One version he floated keeps Mhatre out of the deal: Dube, Australian quick Nathan Ellis and wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel. The logic is that Mumbai get someone to fill Trent Boult’s role, a death bowler to work alongside Jasprit Bumrah, and a fix for their domestic keeping gap. Ashwin also sketched a larger version, where those three plus an extra seamer go to Mumbai and CSK get back Hardik along with Deepak Chahar.
Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly ready to put Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana on the table and may throw in the captaincy as well. Rajasthan Royals are looking at a package involving Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi. Punjab Kings could counter with Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal.
All of this is happening while CSK rebuild their entire coaching setup. Stephen Fleming has gone, and Zaheer Khan now runs the dugout. Albie Morkel and Gareth Batty come in as assistants, with Mohit Sharma as bowling coach. Sridharan Sriram and James Foster have been retained. Ashwin pointed out that Zaheer arrives with 17 major titles from international and franchise cricket.
FAQs
Q. What did R Ashwin say about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
A. Ashwin urged fans to give the teenager time to develop without putting too much pressure on him.
Q. Who does Ashwin want to open for India if Ishan Kishan returns?
A. Ashwin wants Sanju Samson to return to the opening position.
Q. Which players could CSK offer Mumbai Indians in a Hardik Pandya trade?
A. Ashwin suggested Shivam Dube, Nathan Ellis, and Urvil Patel as a possible package.
Q. Which other IPL teams are reportedly interested in Hardik Pandya?
A. Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings are also reportedly considering trade packages.
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