Sunil Gavaskar expects India to hand Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his long-awaited debut during the upcoming five-match T20I series against England after the teenager
remained on the sidelines in Ireland.
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has finally addressed the biggest talking point from India's disastrous T20I tour of Ireland, insisting teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is "absolutely ready" for international cricket despite not getting a single game during the 0-2 series defeat.
The 15-year-old, who arrived in Belfast amid enormous hype following a record-breaking IPL season, watched both matches from the dugout as India suffered their first-ever bilateral T20I series defeat to Ireland.
While fans questioned Gautam Gambhir and new captain Shreyas Iyer's decision to leave the youngster out, ten Doeschate insisted the management has no doubts about Sooryavanshi's ability.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 'is absolutely ready'
Speaking after India's heartbreaking one-run defeat in the second T20I, the assistant coach made it clear that Sooryavanshi possesses the talent to succeed at the highest level. "He is absolutely ready to play international cricket, there is no doubt about that," ten Doeschate said.
However, he also stressed that readiness alone does not guarantee an immediate debut.
Despite acknowledging the teenager's immense talent, ten Doeschate explained that India would not fast-track his international career ahead of players who have already earned their place.
He specifically pointed to Sanju Samson, who played a key role in India's T20 World Cup triumph just three months ago. "Sanju Samson is a guy who went a long way to win us the World Cup three months ago. "
The remarks underline the management's belief that established performers should not lose their places solely because of the excitement surrounding a young prospect.
It also explains why India continued with Samson and Abhishek Sharma as their opening combination throughout the Ireland series.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ireland snub sparks debate
Sooryavanshi's omission became one of the biggest talking points of the series.
Many expected India to hand the teenager his debut against Ireland, particularly with the world champions entering the series as overwhelming favourites.
Instead, India handed debut caps to Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shedge, while Sooryavanshi remained unused throughout the two matches.
The decision came under even greater scrutiny after India's batting collapsed in both games, resulting in Ireland completing a historic 2-0 whitewash.
Sunil Gavaskar expects England debut
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar admitted he was surprised Sooryavanshi did not make his debut in Ireland.
The batting great revealed he had expected India to rotate their opening pair across the two matches to gradually introduce the youngster before the tougher England assignment. "I honestly thought that with Ireland not being seen as a real threat, they would give young Sooryavanshi a debut in the first game. That is what I thought when the team left for Ireland. "
According to Gavaskar, the Ireland series presented the perfect opportunity to ease the 15-year-old into international cricket without placing excessive pressure on him.
England series now in focus
Despite missing out in Belfast, Gavaskar believes Sooryavanshi's wait will not be much longer.
The former opener expects the teenager to feature during India's upcoming five-match T20I series against England, particularly after the batting unit struggled throughout the Ireland tour.
"I think he will play in one of the matches, if not all the matches in England," Gavaskar said.
The former captain added that the youngster's recent exploits, including his record-breaking 11-ball List A half-century and outstanding IPL campaign, have created enormous anticipation around his international debut.
Patience remains the message
India's management appears determined not to rush one of the country's brightest young talents despite the growing public demand.
Ten Doeschate's comments suggest Sooryavanshi's debut is not a question of if, but when.
For now, the teenager remains firmly in India's plans-but like every other player before him, he will have to earn his opportunity through the team's established selection process.
