Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has stirred a debate ahead of the third T20I by suggesting that Team India should bring Varun Chakaravarthy back into the playing XI instead of persisting with young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at the number 3 position.
As India prepares to face New Zealand in Wellington with a 2-0 lead in the series, tactical decisions regarding team balance and player roles have taken center stage.
The Core Dilemma: Position vs Player
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was drafted into the side for the second T20I after Ishan Kishan was ruled out due to an injury. However, thrust into an unfamiliar role at number 3, the youngster managed just four runs off eight deliveries.
While Sooryavanshi has thrived as an opener in domestic circuits, seasoned experts believe rushing him into middle-order slots could hamper his natural growth.
“Instead of playing Sooryavanshi at No. 3, India can play Varun Chakaravarthy in the 11. The players down the order are doing well now. So, why not go for a bowler like Varun? New Zealand’s scores of 220 and 180 could have been 200 and 160 in the first two games,” Badrinath stated on his YouTube channel, Cric it with Badrinath.
Protecting Sanju Samson’s Opening Slot
Badrinath also strongly defended Sanju Samson, questioning any potential move that would disrupt the explosive batter’s rhythm at the top of the order alongside Abhishek Sharma.
- Sanju Samson has been in stellar form as an opener.
- Disrupting a winning combination for an inexperienced youngster in an unaccustomed slot is seen as counterproductive.
- Badrinath emphasized that “the position is more important than the player,” asserting that Samson’s current momentum must take precedence.
“It’s unfair to Sanju Samson if he has to sacrifice his opening spot for Sooryavanshi. Yes, Sooryavanshi has thrived only as an opener, but Samson is doing brilliantly as an opener… I definitely will not disrupt Sanju Samson,” Badrinath noted.
Strengthening Bowling Depth
Varun Chakaravarthy has been sidelined since suffering an abdominal side strain during last month’s T20I series against Afghanistan. With bowling coach Morne Morkel noting that India’s bowling and batting against spin remain key areas for progress, drafting a frontline specialist spinner like Varun could tighten bowling figures.
India’s recent matches featured heavy scoring from the opposition, making the inclusion of a specialist wicket-taking spinner a logical tactical upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who suggested dropping Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the second T20I?
A: Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath suggested that Sooryavanshi needs more time and should be replaced in the playing XI.
Q: Why did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play in the second T20I against New Zealand?
A: He was brought into the squad after Ishan Kishan was ruled out due to an injury.
Q: Which player did Badrinath recommend bringing back into the team?
A: Badrinath recommended bringing back spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to strengthen India’s bowling attack.
Q: What was Sanju Samson’s status in the discussion?
A: Badrinath emphasized that it would be unfair to move Samson away from his successful opening position to accommodate Sooryavanshi.
Q: Where is the third T20I between India and New Zealand scheduled?
A: The third T20I match is set to take place in Wellington.
Conclusion and Future Implications
As India eyes a series-clinching victory in Wellington, the team management faces a classic selection conundrum: backing raw potential versus maintaining stable match-winning combinations. While young talents like Sooryavanshi represent the future, optimizing immediate bowling resources and protecting senior player form will dictate India’s strategic success in ongoing and upcoming international fixtures.
Manish Kumar began his professional journey in digital marketing and performance marketing, and currently works as a Digital Marketing Excutive and SEO expert. With over 3 years of professional experience, he handles both strategy and execution. Currently, he manages digital marketing and performance marketing at ‘Shabd Sanchi’ (shabdsanchi.com).
