Sooryavanshi dismissed for four in Christchurch after warm reception in 2nd T20I
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old left-handed batter, managed only four off eight deliveries as India chased 181 in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.
Sooryavanshi’s return to India’s T20 side followed a spell out of the XI since the Asian Games, where he scored 53 runs in two matches as India won gold. There had been weeks of discussion over India’s decision to keep the teenager on the sidelines during the subsequent five-match series against the West Indies, where Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma retained the opening roles; Sooryavanshi was in the squad but did not take the field. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had said the youngster would have to wait his turn, and after the West Indies series ended 2-2, Iyer advised Sooryavanshi to remain consistent with his processes and be patient.
A spot opened for Sooryavanshi when Ishan Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain in the series opener and was ruled out of the second T20I. Instead of opening, India slotted Sooryavanshi at No. 3 behind Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma; he walked in after Samson departed during the powerplay.
Sooryavanshi received a roaring welcome from the crowd at Hagley Oval, with many spectators present specifically to see the teenager. He appeared uncomfortable against New Zealand’s bowling and looked visibly disappointed as he left the field, a reaction mirrored by the stands.
In the final over of the powerplay he had a reprieve against off-spinner Michael Bracewell when an attempted off-side shot edged to point and Bevon Jacobs lost sight of the ball, failing to make an attempt at the catch; New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner showed visible frustration at the missed chance. The reprieve was short-lived.
Sooryavanshi was dismissed in the next over when he tried to hit an away-going delivery from fast bowler Nathan Smith through the covers; Daryl Mitchell took a sharp catch to send him back to the pavilion.
The eight-ball, four-run innings was Sooryavanshi’s first appearance of the five-match series.
