'There Was A Lot Of Uproar...': BCCI Slams Gambhir, Iyer's Critics Over Delay In Sooryavanshi's T20I Debut

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajiv Shukla slammed India head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Shreyas Iyer's critics over the delay in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut. The 15-year-old destructive batter was in the limelight after he missed out from India's playing XI in the two-match T20I series against Ireland and the 1st T20I against England.

Rajiv Shukla schools Sooryavanshi's critics

However, the young batting prodigy finally received his debut cap in the second T20I against England, and after that clash, Rajiv Shukla defended India's management, saying that the Indian Cricket Board doesn't treat anyone unfairly.

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“Huge congratulations to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on his debut and for receiving this opportunity. The BCCI does not treat anyone unfairly; those who deserve it get their chance. There was a lot of uproar on social media claiming that opportunities weren’t being given; people were criticising both the coach and the captain. But that wasn’t the case," Shukla told ANI.

Sooryavanshi created history

After featuring against England in the second T20I, Sooryavanshi surpassed Shafali Verma and Sachin Tendulkar to become the youngest-ever player to represent the country in international cricket, at just 15 years and 99 days. Notably, Sooryavanshi was included in place of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who failed to fire with the bat in the last three T20Is.

Rajiv Shukla on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut

The BCCI vice-president said he had always maintained that Sooryavanshi would receive his opportunity when the management believed the timing was right.

“I had said just the other day that when the right moment arrived, he would certainly get his chance, and yesterday, he did. I believe he will perform well in the future and truly come into his own. It is an excellent decision by the team management, and we should appreciate it," he added.

How Sooryavanshi performed in international debut match?

Sooryavanshi made a dominating yet shaky start to his international career, scoring 14 runs in 10 balls. The Bihar-born batter smashed two sixes before being stumped by Will Jacks. Despite his debut, India failed to win the match as England chased down 191 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.