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Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken a significant step in his meteoric rise to the top level after earning his maiden call-up to the India 'A' squad for an upcoming one-day tri-series to be held in Sri Lanka. Along with Afghanistan 'A', India 'A' will compete in a tournament scheduled to be held in Dambulla from June 9 to June 21.

 

Sooryavanshi's fearless batting and prolific form over the last couple of months have made him one of the most talked about young players in Indian cricket. Many ex- cricketers and experts have already engaged in discussions on whether the teenager should be selected for an early India debut due to his immense confidence at the crease and fearless batting style.

 

However this selection is a clear indication that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to nurture him rather than rushing him into senior international cricket.

 

BCCI wants to test Sooryavanshi at India 'A' level before the senior team

 

According to reports, selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar wishes that the batter gets enough experience with India 'A' before making it into the senior team for white-ball tours.

 

The tour will be seen as a big opportunity for the selectors to study how the young batter reacts to pressure and faces quality bowlers from international sides. It is believed that this is a stepping stone towards him being an India player in the future.

 

Previously, reports also suggested that Sooryavanshi might be considered for India's tour to Ireland and if selected, would have become the youngest Indian cricketer to debut in international cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record of 1989.

 

However, with the India 'A' tournament set to end on June 21 and India's Ireland tour kicking off on June 26, it is now very difficult to make the transition.

 

 

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Zimbabwe tour or Asian Games may be the next possible stages

 

For now there seem to be very slim chances for Sooryavanshi to be selected in either of the squads touring Ireland or England due to the presence of several experienced top-order batters like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan.

 

A realistic opportunity could be the Zimbabwe tour that commences on July 23 where Vaibhav can make his senior international debut. It could also be the Asian Games or the tour to West Indies that follows later in the year.

 

The BCCI might have to field two separate squads as these events are expected to be held in the September-October window.

 

Nevertheless, the India 'A' call-up remains the most important milestone for young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who despite having to wait for a bit longer to witness him play for India has already captured the imagination of the entire cricketing fraternity.