New Delhi: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has strongly criticised the decision to keep teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing eleven, arguing that the youngster should have already made his international debut.
The 15 year old prodigy was included in India’s squad for the T20I series against Ireland and England after a remarkable run of performances in domestic and youth cricket. However, he remained on the bench for both matches against Ireland, which India lost 2-0, as well as the opening T20 International against England in Durham.
Sooryavanshi enjoyed a sensational campaign in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League, scoring 776 runs for the Rajasthan Royals to finish as the tournament’s leading run scorer. Before that, he played a key role in India’s victorious campaign at the Under 19 World Cup, performances that earned him his first senior national team call up.
Following the rain affected opening match against England, Shastri questioned why the youngster was overlooked despite his outstanding form and fearless approach with the bat. He believed the conditions during the Ireland series would have suited Sooryavanshi’s aggressive style of play and provided the perfect opportunity to introduce him to international cricket.
Shastri described the teenager as an “X factor” player capable of changing games quickly, highlighting his fearless mindset and ability to provide explosive starts at the top of the order.
His remarks are likely to increase pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer as calls grow for Sooryavanshi to be included in the playing eleven.
India will take on England in the second T20 International in Manchester on July 4, where attention is expected to focus on whether the young batter finally receives his opportunity.
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