Never one to mince his words, Ravi Shastri strongly backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international debut, arguing that India should have already handed the youngster his first cap.
After an incredible run in IPL and age-group cricket, Sooryavanshi received his first senior India call-up for the tours of England and Ireland. But while many expected the teenager to be offered a chance in Ireland, the team management stuck with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order in all three matches, with Ishan Kishan completing the top three.
According to Shastri, India lost the ideal opportunity to unleash one of the most exciting batting prospects in the nation. Before the first Twenty20 International against England, the former India coach remarked on Sony Sports Network that Sooryavanshi would have easily defeated the Irish assault.
“Arrey, woh khelna chahiye tha yaar (He should have played against Ireland). It was such a slow and spongy track. He would have smacked them on the terrace, it was such a small ground. He would have taken their pants off. He should have definitely played there. Now, whether he plays in England, I’m not sure. I am not sure whether they will blame him, but give him a game as soon as possible. He has smashed everyone in the IPL. Which fast bowler did he spare? And you’re making him warm the bench.”
Following India’s unexpected 0-2 series loss to Ireland—the hosts’ first bilateral series triumph against the three-time world champions—Shastri made his comments. His conviction that India ought to have trusted the youngster was only reinforced by the outcome.
Additionally, the former India coach gave his reasons for believing Sooryavanshi is prepared for international cricket.
“He is the X-factor, does not have any baggage. He is just 15, has the exuberance of youth. He has no fear, and if he gets going in the first 2-3 overs, he will give you the kind of start that the middle order can capitalise on. You will have to make space for him.”
After being left out of the starting lineup for the first Twenty20 International against England in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, Sooryavanshi’s search for a senior India debut continues.
Despite growing clamor for the inclusion of the teenager, the Indian think tank has maintained to support the World Cup-winning top order of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan.
Over the past year, the left-hander hasn’t done much wrong. Before putting on a great IPL 2026 season, he featured in India’s Under-19 World Cup winning campaign, hitting 175 in the final. He became the youngest player to top the tournament’s run-scoring rankings when he finished with 776 runs to earn the Orange Cap.
With four Twenty20 Internationals remaining in India’s tour of England, Sooryavanshi will have another opportunity to establish himself in the starting lineup, if he makes it to the playing XI, that is.
