India’s decision to hand teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a debut ahead of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in the ongoing T20I series against England has come under criticism following the team’s disappointing performances. Defending champions India have already lost the five-match series after falling 3-0 behind, with England sealing the contest through a commanding nine-wicket victory in the fourth T20I.Former India all-rounder and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal believes the young batter needs time to adjust to the demands of international cricket and warned against expecting instant success from a 15-year-old.Speaking to PTI, Madan Lal said Sooryavanshi must learn to build an innings instead of looking for big shots every time he walks out to bat.“At that level, you can’t afford to hit every ball. Club cricket is different from international cricket. It’s not a six-over match but a 20-over game. You have to manage your innings well,” he said.Sooryavanshi has struggled in his first taste of international cricket, scoring 14 on debut, 13 in India’s heavy defeat in the third T20I and another modest knock in the fourth match as India’s batting unit failed to deliver consistently.Madan Lal also expressed disappointment over India’s overall display in the series, saying the absence of established performers has been felt.“I am definitely shocked. We have played very poor cricket and lost five matches. We should have won against Ireland. Your captain is only as good as your team. There is a huge difference between the IPL and international cricket, and it takes time to establish yourself at the international level,” he added.“Players who have performed well overseas, such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, are not part of this team. Building a team is very difficult, while destroying it is very easy.”India will now hope to avoid a winless series when they take on England in the final T20I on Saturday, with Sooryavanshi looking to finish his maiden international tour on a positive note.
