Former India captain and chief selector
The decision to bench Sooryavanshi was met with surprise given the 15-year-old's recent form. The youngster was named Player of the Series during India’s previous T20I assignment against Zimbabwe, where he accumulated 151 runs at a strike rate of 196.10. Srikkanth noted that the transition from red-ball cricket, where the teenager recently appeared in the Duleep Trophy final, to the T20 format should have been managed with more consistency to maintain his momentum.
Concerns over team management and player security
Srikkanth expressed his frustration on his YouTube channel, revealing that the exclusion was a major talking point even within his own home. He argued that dropping a player who had just earned individual accolades creates an environment of uncertainty, where young talents may feel their positions are perpetually at risk regardless of their performance. According to the former selector, the management needs to demonstrate greater faith in emerging stars like Sooryavanshi, who has also showcased his abilities in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals.
Beyond the specific case of the teenager, Srikkanth also highlighted the inconsistent treatment of Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter has seen his role fluctuate significantly, having been part of the starting combination during the UK tour in July before being replaced by Sooryavanshi after three matches. Although Samson returned for the final game of that series, he was subsequently rested for the Zimbabwe tour, leading to a stop-start experience for the player.
A call for stability in selection
The core of Srikkanth's argument rests on the need for a clear, long-term strategy rather than sporadic opportunities. He suggested that neither Samson nor Sooryavanshi can flourish under the current rotation policy, which he believes undermines their ability to settle into the side. Srikkanth urged the management to commit to a consistent selection approach, stating that players should either be given an extended run to prove their worth or be managed in a way that provides genuine stability.
By rotating both players in and out of the side, Srikkanth contends that the team management is failing to provide the necessary security for either individual to thrive. He concluded by expressing sympathy for Samson’s situation, emphasizing that the current cycle of selection and exclusion is counterproductive for the players involved and the team's overall consistency.
