Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has questioned the team management's decision to keep teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the sidelines, insisting the youngster should have been handed
an opportunity during the T20I series against Ireland. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former all-rounder said the conditions and dimensions at the venue were perfectly suited to the left-handed batter's fearless style of play
Backing the 15-year-old to make an immediate impact at the highest level, the veteran remarked, "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should've played in Ireland. That's such a slow and spongy track, he would've hit it on the roof as it was a small ground. He would've taken their pants off. Give him a game as soon as you can. He has beaten everyone in IPL." The outspoken commentator believes the youngster possesses the rare X-factor capable of changing games within a few overs.
The gifted opener earned widespread praise after a sensational IPL campaign, where his fearless strokeplay saw him dominate some of the world's best bowlers despite being only 15 years old. His explosive performances fast-tracked him into India's T20 squad for the Ireland and England tours, but he is still awaiting his international debut.
This is not the first time the former India coach has publicly backed the teenager. Even during the IPL, he had urged selectors to fast-track the prodigy into the national setup, arguing that age should never become a barrier when exceptional talent is evident. With growing support from several cricket experts, the calls for his India debut continue to gather momentum as the T20 series against England progresses.
Ravi Shastri said, “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should’ve played in Ireland. That’s such a slow and spongy track, he would’ve hit it on the roof as it was a small ground. He would’ve taken their pants off. Give him a game as soon as you can. He has beaten everyone in IPL”. (Sky Sports). pic.twitter.com/4wnLRp4SOU
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 2, 2026
"Every time he's not picked, people will ask why": Sunil Gavaskar warns against delaying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has cautioned the team management against delaying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's international debut, warning that repeated omissions could pile unnecessary pressure on the teenage sensation. The batting legend expressed surprise after the 15-year-old was once again left out of the playing XI for the opening T20I against England despite widespread calls for his inclusion.The iconic opener said the youngster should have already been given an opportunity, adding that prolonged waiting could affect his mindset. "It will put him under more pressure because every time he's not picked, people will keep asking, 'Why isn't he playing?' That's not fair on a 15-year-old," he said.
The former India skipper also revealed that he had expected the left-hander to make his debut during the Ireland series before featuring against England.The 76-year-old further urged the selectors to stop delaying the inevitable, insisting the prodigy has the talent to thrive at the highest level. "Play him in the first game. If you want to surprise England, play him. He may fail, but if he comes off, England will be rattled," he remarked, highlighting the fearless approach that made the youngster one of the biggest stories of the IPL season.
Sunil Gavaskar On how delaying the debut hurts the Sooryavanshi's mentally: "By keeping a 15-year-old boy warming the bench series after series, you are not protecting him; you are actually doing the opposite. It will put pressure on him. Every match he sits out, the public… pic.twitter.com/0kz3mr4NRe
— Cricket Hub (@Anurag9793) July 2, 2026
The teenage opener earned his maiden India call-up after a remarkable IPL campaign in which he dismantled some of the world's leading bowlers with fearless strokeplay. While the management has opted for experience so far, growing support from former players has intensified the debate over his long-awaited debut. With every passing game, anticipation continues to build, and the calls to unleash the exciting youngster on the international stage are only getting louder.
