As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will continue to face a barrage of short-pitched bowling in international cricket, saying England’s plan against the teenager was evident right from the IPL and will remain the preferred tactic for opposition bowlers.
Vaibhav, who impressed with his performances in the IPL 2026, is yet to convert the success into international cricket. The youngster has managed scores of 14 off 10 balls in the second T20I and 13 off five deliveries in the third match against England, with the hosts repeatedly testing him with short deliveries.
“Not just Jofra Archer, I think anyone who watched the IPL would not be surprised that there is a deliberate plan to bowl short to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. It wasn’t just the wicket ball; the ball before it was short as well. In the first game, on the delivery he hit for six, it may not have bounced as much, but the line was the same,” Parthiv told Jio Hotstar.