Ahead of India's five-match T20 International series in England, the loudest conversation in Indian cricket is about a 15-year-old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The series gets under way on July 11 at Chester-le-Street, and the question on everyone's mind is simple: will the teenage batting sensation be thrown straight into the playing eleven against a side as strong as England? Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has answered bluntly, arguing that with the trio that won the T20 World Cup still anchoring the top order, breaking into the first eleven will be extremely tough for Vaibhav, because the selectors and management have no reason to risk tinkering with a winning combination.
No room at the top
Pujara spoke openly about the strength and stability of India's top order. "I don't see any change in India's top three, that is Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan," he said. "Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are certain to be in the playing eleven for the first match. When you have a trio in this kind of form, the management is not going to take the risk of changing things." With the batting order in such destructive touch, it looks almost impossible for any newcomer, however gifted, to walk straight into the side.
A debut in Ireland and the rotation factor
Pujara has not, however, written Vaibhav off for the rest of the series. Just before the England leg, India play a two-match T20 series against Ireland, beginning on June 26 in Belfast. Ireland are currently struggling with injuries, and Vaibhav is expected to make his international debut during that series. On his prospects in England, Pujara said India's rotation policy would work in the youngster's favour. "As the series goes on and India starts rotating its players, Vaibhav Suryavanshi will definitely get a chance to play at least one game," he added. "He is a player for the future, and easing him in gradually is the best strategy."
Pujara weighs in on Tilak Varma's slot
During the same chat, Pujara also addressed the ongoing debate over the batting position of the team's newly appointed vice-captain, Tilak Varma. At the World Cup, Tilak played several match-winning knocks from the lower-middle order and was central to the title triumph. Praising his versatility, Pujara said, "In my view, Tilak Varma is a batsman who certainly has the ability to bat in the top three. But at the same time, he has shown of late that he can be just as effective at No. 5 and No. 6. That flexibility is a huge plus point for Team India."
