Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has given India's team management another compelling reason to pick him, hammering the ball to all corners during an optional net session in Ranchi ahead of the second T20I against the West Indies on Friday evening.
The Ranchi showdown
India take on the West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium on Friday at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss at 6:30 PM. India lead the series 1-0 after an eight-wicket win in the Lucknow opener, and a win tonight would push them 2-0 up. India have now gone 10 matches unbeaten in completed T20Is, their last loss in the format coming on July 11 against England.
Sooryavanshi steals the show
The 15-year-old drew the biggest crowd at Thursday's optional practice, with police, spectators and media following every shot as he repeatedly cleared the boundary, sending balls toward the stands and the sight screen. With Sanju Samson managing only 11 in the Lucknow opener, Sooryavanshi's power-hitting has fuelled debate over the playing XI.
Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said the final XI remains undecided and that everyone in the squad is in contention. He backed Ishan Kishan to make the most of playing in his home city and said the bowling staff would work with Mayank Yadav, who was the only Indian bowler to touch a double-digit economy rate in the opener and was rested from the optional session.
Sources: Sooryavanshi sends fresh selection message with brutal net session ahead of 2nd India vs West Indies T20I (NDTV Sports) | India vs West Indies 2nd T20I: all eyes on Samson, Mayank as India look to extend lead (The Statesman)