Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged the selectors to expedite the process of awarding a cap to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, following the impressive performance the 15-year-old displayed against Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday. Sooryavanshi managed to strike Bumrah for runs right from his very first delivery, eventually scoring 39 runs off just 14 balls.
“Sooryavanshi is a child of destiny,” Pathan remarked. “The level he is performing at, especially in white-ball cricket at just 15 years old, is unprecedented.” He emphasized that the young talent had been eagerly anticipating this encounter, noting, “This 15-year-old prodigy declared that he was ready for Jasprit Bumrah. After being dismissed by him last year, he returned determined to hit him, and he did so on his very first ball.”
Pathan expressed particular admiration for how Sooryavanshi seemed to instill doubt in Bumrah’s game. “The fact that Bumrah appeared uncertain and had no visible strategy was telling. He adjusted to the slower ball, indicating that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made even Bumrah reconsider his approach. In terms of white-ball cricket, India hasn’t encountered a bowler like Bumrah; he truly is a legend. Achieving this against him is remarkable.”
Pathan attributed Sooryavanshi’s success to his focused mentality. “When facing any bowler, he doesn’t get caught up in their bowling style or overthink the situation; he simply concentrates on the ball. If he sees it, he hits it. This mindset is what sets him apart.”
A few months back, Pathan had inquired with a selector about how close Sooryavanshi was to receiving an India cap, although he did not reveal the response. He pointed to Tuesday’s performance as a clear indicator of the young player’s readiness. “Do not keep this boy waiting for too long,” he urged. “Grant him the Indian team cap. Just think about it — this young talent could potentially have a 20-year career in professional cricket, which is intimidating for bowlers.”
Off the field, Pathan was equally impressed by Sooryavanshi’s character. He recalled a conversation with the player’s coach from the previous day, who shared, “This boy is exceptionally well-mannered. He always shows respect by touching my feet, no matter where I am. His mindset is perfectly aligned.”
“He is very special,” Pathan concluded. “It’s truly unbelievable.”
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