Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Face New Challenge After India Debut, Says Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the talent to succeed at the highest level but warned the 15-year-old must quickly adapt to the plans opposition bowlers will devise after his international debut.

Speaking on JioStar's Game Plan, Pathan reflected on India's narrow defeat in the second T20I against England, where Sooryavanshi scored 14 off 10 balls on debut before falling to spin.

Irfan Pathan says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must prepare for bowlers' plans

While praising Sooryavanshi's fearless approach, Pathan said the teenager's biggest challenge will now be adjusting as opponents begin to analyse his game.

"A 15-year-old boy playing international cricket is not just the biggest takeaway for the Indian team from that game, but for world cricket. He is inspiring a whole new generation of young boys and girls by saying, 'If I can do it, you can do it too,'" Pathan told JioStar.

He admitted the youngster would have been disappointed not to convert his start into a bigger score but was encouraged by his positive intent.

"He will be disappointed that he got out for 14 after facing 10 balls, so even in terms of strike rate, he fell a bit short of the standards he has set for himself. But I liked that he didn't shy away from playing his natural game."

Pathan also highlighted the technical adjustments Sooryavanshi may need to make against spin.

"He is a special talent, no doubt, but he needs to make sure he is ready for the plans bowlers will come up with against him. Like in the first game, if you want to step out against the spinners in England, it's not a bad option since the ball doesn't turn that much there, but you need to maintain your balance and not move too far away from the ball."

Pathan explains where India lost the second T20I

Pathan felt India failed to capitalise on a strong batting platform and ultimately finished well below a match-winning total.

"I thought India were 20 runs short because, from the position they were in, you would have expected them to score 210-220."

He also praised Arshdeep Singh for bringing India back into the contest with two early wickets but said the bowling lacked discipline in the closing overs.

"India needed to squeeze a bit more and bowl with greater discipline, especially at the death, because they had the game in their hands."

Irfan Pathan suggests one change for India's third T20I XI

Looking ahead to the must-win third T20I in Nottingham, Pathan recommended just one change to India's playing XI.

He wants Prince Yadav to replace Ravi Bishnoi, believing India would benefit from an extra pace option unless conditions strongly favour spin.

"I would like to see only one change in the XI, Prince Yadav coming in for Ravi Bishnoi, unless you expect the pitch to grip and turn."

Pathan argued that relying on only two specialist seamers left India short of options during crucial phases of the innings.

"Prince Yadav is a good death bowler. He uses slower bouncers and also has a very good yorker."

Pathan outlines batting roles for Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube

Pathan also urged India to be more flexible with their batting order depending on the type of bowling in operation.

According to the former all-rounder, Tilak Varma should be used against pace, while Shivam Dube is better suited to attacking spin.

"Tilak Varma is a good hitter against pace but not as effective against spin, so both he and Shivam Dube need to be used according to their strengths."

He added:

"If the spinners are bowling, Shivam Dube should be sent in. If it's the end overs and the pacers are operating, then Tilak Varma should bat."