Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are set to open in IND vs NZ 2nd T20I | PC- AFP
Team India achieved an emphatic chase of 226 runs to take an early lead in the five-match T20I series. There is virtually no turnaround time before the second T20I between India and New Zealand, scheduled for Saturday at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
A day after the opening T20I, the visitors had an optional net session at the venue, which was attended by almost every Indian batter, including Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Teenager bowls out Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma
During the nets, the gung-ho pair of Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were seen sweating it out in the practice session.
However, the highlight of the session was 16-year-old off-spinner Mason McLaughlin, who impressed head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management.
The off-spinner was the best bowler on display as he bowled both Abhishek Sharma and Sooryavanshi in the Christchurch nets.
Sharma was dismissed by Michael Bracewell, an off-spinner, in the first T20I at Christchurch. Notably, he has been dismissed by off-spinners 12 times in 37 T20I innings, which makes him a contender against them.
With Sooryavanshi and Sharma set to open the innings in IND vs NZ 2nd T20I, the Kiwis might use more of Bracewell and Glenn Phillips inside the powerplay against the two left-handed openers.
Sooryavanshi is touted to get included in the starting 11 in place of Ishan Kishan, who has injured his right adductor during the first T20I between India and New Zealand.
Who is Mason McLaughlin?
Although little is known about the teenage New Zealand spinner, Mason McLaughlin is still coming up through the ranks. He has modelled his action around Nathan Lyon.
While speaking to a CREX representative, he compared Sooryavanshi to Steve Smith. He also said it was a privilege to bowl to the likes of Sharma and Sooryavanshi and to take their wickets.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak were very impressed by the spinner. Moreover, the Indian coaches were even more in awe of his craft after learning his age.
