Sunil Joshi puts Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting first as bowling plan takes shape

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India’s stand-in bowling coach Sunil Joshi said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting will remain the immediate focus after the teenager made an 18-ball half-century in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe. Joshi also confirmed that Sooryavanshi’s bowling will be developed gradually at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, according to the source report.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a T20I fifty during India’s chase of 126 at Harare Sports Club. His innings included four fours and four sixes as India won with 40 balls remaining and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Batting remains the immediate priority

Sunil Joshi said Sooryavanshi’s batting should stay at the centre of India’s plans after his performance in Harare. Speaking before the second T20I, Joshi also referred to the teenager’s previous performance at the venue in the Under-19 World Cup final.

“I think the first thing is, let’s focus on his batting. He’s been sensational and I’m glad that he has done well. This is a happy hunting ground for him. He performed well in the U19 World Cup finals here. He had a good performance yesterday as well,” Joshi said.

Sunil Joshi confirmed that bowling remains part of Sooryavanshi’s longer-term development. The former India spinner said he intends to work with the teenager when time is available at the Centre of Excellence.

“Vaibhav has been very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time in his bowling, I’ll work with him in the CoE. Whenever we see him bowling well, we’ll definitely and quickly focus on that,” Joshi said.

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India want patience with Suryansh Shedge

Sunil Joshi rejected early comparisons between Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, saying the emerging seam-bowling all-rounder needs time to establish his role in the India team.

“Look, we shouldn’t compare. Suryansh is making his place in the Indian team. Hardik has made his place. Shivam has also made his place. So, he’s a rising talent. We have to persist with him. He’s working on good things and good areas. That’s what we want in the T20 format,” Joshi said.

Sunil Joshi also identified Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma as additional bowling options. Joshi said Abhishek has improved, while the coaching staff have spoken with Tilak about limiting runs, delivering more dot balls and maintaining the basics.

Ravi Bishnoi responds after run-up adjustment

Ravi Bishnoi returned figures of 1/24 from four overs in Harare after making a small adjustment to his run-up rather than changing his bowling action. The performance followed Bishnoi’s 0/60 against England in Manchester, where Jacob Bethell scored 29 runs from one over.

Sunil Joshi said Bishnoi had realigned his run-up after discussions that also involved Sairaj Bahutule. Joshi added that the leg-spinner was no longer getting close to the return crease during his approach, which pleased the coaching staff.