Former India opener
Chopra noted that the teenager’s absence from the starting lineup is a consequence of a crowded top-order rather than a lack of talent. With established players like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan currently occupying the primary batting slots, the path to the playing XI remains difficult for the newcomer. While Chopra proposed a rotation policy to integrate younger players, he acknowledged that the suggestion has not gained traction among team management.
The Case for Domestic Exposure
Addressing the situation on his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed that keeping a young player on the bench for an entire international series is counterproductive to his development. He argued that if the team cannot guarantee Sooryavanshi a spot in the XI, it would be more beneficial for the teenager to gain match practice in the Ranji Trophy. The youngster has already demonstrated his potential in the T20 format, accumulating 246 runs across eight matches at a strike rate exceeding 186, a tally that includes two half-centuries.
Defending Tilak Varma
During the discussion, Chopra also addressed calls to replace vice-captain Tilak Varma with Sooryavanshi, firmly dismissing the notion that Varma has been underperforming. He highlighted Varma’s versatility, noting his success at the No. 3 position where he scored two centuries, as well as his effective transition into a finisher role in the middle and lower-middle order. Chopra emphasized that Varma’s contributions in the Asian Games and subsequent matches demonstrate his value to the side, stating that criticizing the vice-captain is unwarranted.
