Team India stand-in bowling coach Sunil Joshi has claimed that Vaibhav Suryavanshi could be developed into a potential all-rounder if he makes an impression with the bowling in the nets. The Men in Blue are currently lacking reliable bowling candidates among their batting unit who can support the bowlers, and give the captain an option to turn to during times of need.
While Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma are capable of rolling over their arms, none of them have been extensively used so far. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, apart from being a prodigal explosive batter, is also capable of bowling some left-arm spin.
The youngster has two first-class wickets to his name, having bowled 14 overs in his red-ball career so far. In terms of List-A and T20 cricket, he is yet to pick up a wicket, but has collectively bowled 13 overs so far. Right after his maiden call-up to the Indian senior team for the Ireland series, he was seen bowling in the nets ahead of the series opener in Belfast as well.
Sunil Joshi, however, clarified that the primary focus will continue to be on his batting, with work on his bowling potentially being done on the sidelines if feasible and explorable.
Team India had limited bowling options during the series opener recently, with all-rounder Shivam Dube being the fifth bowler. He bowled his full quota of overs for the first time since the Asia Cup 2025 final after Hardik Pandya's injury.
After a tough start to his international career in England, Vaibhav Suryavanshi found his groove in the first T20I against Zimbabwe, scoring a stunning 19-ball fifty. He became the youngest cricketer to score a fifty, and helped set the foundation in the run chase.
Team India, after ending their seven-match winless run with a seven-wicket success in the first T20I, have the opportunity to seal the series with a game to spare. The second T20I is scheduled to be held at the same venue on Saturday, July 25.
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