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NEW DELHI: India captain Shreyas Iyer has thrown his weight behind teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, expressing his belief that the youngster has learned from his difficult introduction to international cricket and is ready to make a stronger impact.Speaking ahead of the series opener in Harare, Iyer said he was not worried about Sooryavanshi’s ability to bounce back after the 15-year-old endured a challenging tour of England.The teenager, who became India’s youngest international cricketer during the England series, managed only modest results before being dropped from the fifth match as Sanju Samson back to playing XI.Despite the setback, Iyer believes the youngster has used the break productively.“I think all the youngsters have definitely practiced. There was a decent gap after the T20 series. So he (Sooryavanshi) must have corrected where he went wrong. So personally, I don’t need to give much advice,” Iyer said.
Iyer calls for a fearless cricketer
India enter the series in Zimbabwe looking to bounce back from a disappointing tour of Ireland and England under Iyer’s captaincy.The captain urged his young team to play freely and not worry about criticism or fear of failure.“I think you shouldn’t be afraid of failure, because when you have those thoughts in the back of your mind, then you play to save yourself. When you don’t have that fear, you can bring out the best in you,” Iyer said.With India traveling direct from England and having just one training session before the first game, Iyer acknowledged the challenge but backed his side to adapt quickly.Reflecting on his own comeback from injury, the 31-year-old said overcoming setbacks made him mentally stronger.“It made me more confident as an individual. When you get over the injury phase, mentally it makes you very positive. Whatever challenges you face on the field, you know how quickly you can overcome them,” he said.
Sooryavanshi ready for sequel
Sooryavanshi, meanwhile, admitted that the past four months have been an emotional roller coaster, but insisted that his confidence remains intact.“Yes, there have been a few 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 100 per cent for the team,” said the youngster bc.TV.His absence from the T20I final against England drew criticism from the team management, with several former cricketers questioning the decision to drop the teenager after just three innings.However, Sooryavanshi said the support of the professional staff helped him regain his focus.“Obviously, whatever I want (guidelines, etc.), the coaches make it available and whatever practice I need, I get it. “I feel very good, there is also confidence,” he said.The Zimbabwe tour also has a special significance for the youth. At the same venue in Harare, he featured in India’s triumphant Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year, smashing a stunning 175 off just 80 balls against England in the final.“It’s a memorable pitch for me. Just four months ago we played the final of the U-19 World Cup and won, so the pitch is very special,” he said.Confident of the knowledge he gained during that tournament, Sooryavanshi said he hopes to use his knowledge of the conditions if he is selected for the opening T20I.“I will support my practice that I have done so far and try to support my game … whatever contribution I can make to the team, I will try to make it,” he said.
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