India vs New Zealand 4th T20IThe T20 series between India and New Zealand has now moved to Auckland, where the fourth match will be played on Friday, October 30. Having won the first three matches, Team India has already secured the series. Consequently, the final two matches are crucial for maintaining their winning momentum and achieving a clean sweep.
However, the biggest question remains: what will the playing eleven look like? Is Ishan Kishan ready to make a comeback? And if he is fit, who will have to sit out? Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has explicitly mentioned Vaibhav Suryavanshi in this context.
Ahead of the match at Eden Park in Auckland, Ashwin shared his perspective. He believes that if Ishan returns to the playing eleven for the next match, Sanju Samson should open the innings, replacing Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Ishan sustained an injury during the first T20 match, which ruled him out of the subsequent two games, providing an opportunity for Vaibhav. In the second T20, Vaibhav batted at number three, while in the third, he opened the innings, with Samson coming in at number three.
What is the reason for dropping Vaibhav?
Speaking to SonyLIV, the series broadcaster, Ashwin addressed this aspect while explaining the decision to drop Vaibhav. He said, “In this combination with Ishan Kishan absent and Suryavanshi coming into the side this seems like the ideal batting order, especially since Sanju has experience playing at number 3. However, if Ishan returns tomorrow, I expect Vaibhav to make way, allowing Sanju to return to his rightful spot as an opener.
Vaibhav should not be burdened by expectations
Ashwin has clearly stated that he has high hopes for Vaibhav, who has already demonstrated his capabilities. However, the veteran spinner also expressed concern, emphasizing that a 15-year-old player should be allowed the space to develop properly, without being weighed down by the burden of expectations.
In short, Ashwin is against rushing things with Vaibhav or placing excessive expectations upon him. In this series, Vaibhav scored 4 runs in one match, and in the following match, he smashed 45 runs off just 19 balls.
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