Mumbai, July 25: Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already made headlines with his explosive batting, but Team India is also looking at developing him as a bowling option in the long run. India’s bowling coach Sunil Joshi said the team plans to work on the 15-year-old’s bowling alongside his batting.
Bowling Development Part of Long-Term Plan
Vaibhav impressed in the first T20I against Zimbabwe by smashing a 50 off just 18 balls, becoming the youngest player to score an international half-century in any format.
Speaking at a press conference, Sunil Joshi said the immediate focus remains on Vaibhav’s batting.
“I think the first priority is to focus on his batting. He has been outstanding, and I am happy with the way he has performed. This is a great opportunity for him. He had also performed well in the U-19 World Cup final here, and he continued that form in the first T20I,” Joshi said.
He added that bowling is an important part of the youngster’s long-term development.
“Vaibhav is very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time to work on his bowling, I will work with him at the Centre of Excellence (CoE). Once we see consistent progress in his bowling, we will certainly focus on it more,” he said.
Other Batting All-Rounders Also in Focus
When asked whether players such as Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi are being developed as part-time bowling options, Joshi said all three have the ability to contribute with the ball.
He noted that Abhishek Sharma has made significant improvements in his bowling, while Tilak Varma provides an additional bowling option for the team.
“We keep discussing with Tilak the importance of building pressure by conceding fewer runs and bowling more dot balls,” Joshi said.
He also praised Harsh Dubey for his performances.
Suryansh Shedge Backed for the Future
Joshi described all-rounder Suryansh Shedge as a promising talent and said he should be given adequate time to establish himself in the Indian team.
He said players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube have cemented their places through consistent performances, and Suryansh should also be given the opportunity to develop over time.
India and Zimbabwe are scheduled to face each other in the second T20I on July 25.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
