New Delhi: Captain India Shreyas Iyer Ahead of the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has thrown his weight behind teenage batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, expressing confidence that the youngster has learned from his difficult introduction to international cricket and is ready to make a bigger impact.Speaking on the eve of the series opener in Harare, Iyer said he was not worried about 15-year-old Soryavanshi’s fitness after a challenging tour of England.The teenager became India’s youngest-ever international cricketer in the England series but had limited returns in the fifth match. Sanzhou Samson Returned to the starting lineup.Despite the setback, Iyer believes the youngster has used the break effectively.“I think, all the youngsters, they must have practiced. There was a pretty big gap after the T20 series. So he (Sooryavanshi) must have corrected what he went wrong. So personally, I don’t need to give much advice,” Iyer said.
Iyer urges fearless cricket
India enter the Zimbabwe series hoping to bounce back from the white-ball tours of Ireland and England under captain Iyer.The captain urged his young squad to play freely without fear of criticism or fear of failure.“I think they should not be afraid of failure because when you have that in your heart, you save yourself by playing. When you don’t have that fear, you can bring out the best in you,” Iyer said.With India starting straight from England and having just one practice session before the opener, Iyer acknowledged the challenge but backed his team to adapt quickly.Reflecting on his return from injury, the 31-year-old said overcoming setbacks has made him mentally stronger.“It makes me more confident as a person. When you get over an injury phase, mentally it makes you very positive. Whatever challenges you face on the court, you know how quickly you can overcome them,” he said.
Sooryavanshi ready to move on
Meanwhile, Soriyavanshi admits the last four months have been an emotional rollercoaster but insists his confidence remains intact.“Yes, there have been some ups and downs in the last four months; that’s part of cricket and it will continue to happen, but I have to follow the process and give my 100 per cent for the team,” the youngster told B.C.. television.His absence in the T20I final against England sparked criticism against the team management, with some former cricketers questioning the decision to drop the teenager after just three innings.However, Soriyavanshi said the support from the coaching staff helped him refocus.“Obviously, whatever I want (coaching, etc.), the coaches are going to provide it, whatever practice I need, I’m going to get it. Feeling really good and confident,” he said.The trip to Zimbabwe also holds special significance for the young man. Earlier this year, he played in India’s Under-19 World Cup at the same venue in Harare and smashed an impressive 175 off just 80 balls in the final against England.“This is a very memorable venue for me. Just four months ago we played in the Under-19 World Cup final and won, so it’s a very special venue,” he said.Confident of the knowledge he gained in that match, Sooryavanshi said he hopes to capitalize on his familiarity with the match conditions if selected for the T20I opener.“I’ll back up the training I’ve done so far and try to back up my game… Whatever I can contribute to the team, I’ll try to give,” he said.
