AB de Villiers has said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could become one of the first players of his generation to choose T20 cricket over Test cricket, citing the appeal and relative comfort of the shorter format. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter made the comments on TOI Sports’ Bombay Sports Exchange Podcast, according to Times of India.
The report said Sooryavanshi made his India debut last week in the second T20I of the ongoing series against England.
De Villiers sees T20 as the clearer career option for young players
De Villiers said T20 cricket can look like a more comfortable route because batters face shorter spells, Powerplay fields have only two fielders outside the circle, and wickets are flatter.
Supplemental editorial cricket visual for AB de Villiers says Sooryavanshi may pick T20 over Tests.
Supplemental editorial cricket visual for AB de Villiers says Sooryavanshi may pick T20 over Tests.
De Villiers said, “He (Sooryavanshi) could become one of the first youngsters to simply say, ‘Sorry, I’m not interested in Test cricket. I’m perfectly happy playing T20 cricket.'”
The former South Africa captain added that the decision would still bring challenges. De Villiers said Sooryavanshi would face difficult periods and would need character and mental strength to handle them.
Former South Africa captain puts responsibility on administrators
De Villiers said a future decision by Sooryavanshi to avoid Test cricket should not be treated only as the player’s responsibility. De Villiers said cricket administrators must create a better balance between formats.
Supplemental editorial cricket visual for AB de Villiers says Sooryavanshi may pick T20 over Tests.
De Villiers said, “You can’t blame him. Those decisions are made at the top. It’s up to the administrators to find the right balance and make those decisions a little more difficult than they currently are. Right now, the choice is quite obvious (between Test and T20).”
Sooryavanshi’s development still depends on guidance
De Villiers said Sooryavanshi, at 15, would need leadership, guidance, and mentorship as his career develops. De Villiers also said Sooryavanshi should remain open to help because the road ahead would be difficult, especially if he chooses Test cricket.
The comments place Sooryavanshi’s early India career in the wider debate around T20 cricket and Test cricket, while leaving his own long-term format choice unconfirmed.
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