Following India’s recent series defeat to Ireland, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has strongly advocated for the inclusion of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, which commences on July 1. Gavaskar stressed that it is now a non-negotiable requirement for the 15-year-old to make his India debut in England.
The call for Sooryavanshi’s debut comes after a disappointing performance by India’s batters in Ireland, where the team suffered a 0-2 series whitewash. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan struggled with the bat during the series. Captain Iyer, in particular, managed only 13 runs across two games, a tally matched by Kishan. Opener Samson also failed to perform in both matches, and all-rounders Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar did not make a significant impact with the bat.
Gavaskar criticised the team management for not giving Sooryavanshi an opportunity in the Ireland series, suggesting it was an ideal chance to test the young batter. He had previously stated that Sooryavanshi’s form warranted his inclusion in both matches in Ireland. Gavaskar proposed that Sooryavanshi could have opened with Abhishek Sharma in one game, or Samson could have opened in another, allowing for flexibility in the batting order.
Debate over Sooryavanshi’s omission
The decision to bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throughout India’s series defeat in Ireland has sparked considerable debate among former players. While Gavaskar, along with Mohammed Kaif and Manoj Tiwary, supported his inclusion, former spinner R Ashwin offered a contrasting viewpoint, backing the team management’s decision. This discussion now casts a shadow over India’s England tour.
The term ‘delayed’ has been used to describe Sooryavanshi’s omission, implying a cautious approach. However, critics argue that this reads more like a debut denied, especially for a 15-year-old prodigy whose cricketing merit is evident. Historically, India has used series against lower-ranked teams to introduce young talent to international cricket without the intense pressure of public expectation. Many believe Sooryavanshi should have played in the series opener in Ireland, allowing him to showcase his natural talent in a less demanding environment.
After India lost the first T20I in Ireland, a sense of panic reportedly set in, leading the management to hesitate in dropping underperforming players. The team hierarchy, including captain Shreyas Iyer and the coaches, reportedly prioritised continuity and backed their T20 World Cup-winning core. However, this approach has been questioned, particularly given the omission of Suryakumar Yadav, a World Cup-winning captain, from the squad, leading to accusations of inconsistency against the selection committee and the Gautam Gambhir-led team management.
Sunil Gavaskar emphasised that form, rather than hierarchy, should have been the deciding factor for selection in Ireland. He reiterated his stance that Sooryavanshi’s form warranted his participation in both games. Gavaskar acknowledged that there was no guarantee Sooryavanshi would have secured a win, but stressed that the Ireland series was the ideal opportunity to try out young players.
Pundits’ alignment and alternative views
Gavaskar’s strong recommendation for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the England series is echoed by other former cricketers. Mohammed Kaif, on his YouTube channel, criticised the selection logic, highlighting what he perceived as inconsistency. Kaif argued that if the goal was to field the best XI, Sooryavanshi’s name should have been on the list. He pointed out that while the team management cited continuity and a World Cup-winning core, previous decisions, such as removing Rohit Sharma as captain and dropping Suryakumar Yadav, indicated a focus on youth. Kaif questioned why this logic was not applied to Sooryavanshi, especially given his recent achievements.
Sooryavanshi’s claim for a place in the team is not based on hype alone. He won the Orange Cap and the MVP award in IPL 2026, performing well against top bowlers. He also had a successful stint with India A in Sri Lanka, concluding with a score of 94 off 29 balls in a final in Dambulla, which included an 11-ball fifty. These performances suggest that his reputation is well-supported by his runs.
Former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary further criticised the coaching staff, accusing them of adhering to pre-conceived notions instead of acknowledging current form. Tiwary questioned why Sooryavanshi was not in the XI, especially when some players who performed well in the T20 World Cup, which took place before the IPL, were retained despite their current form. He also noted that the team’s reliance on part-timers had not met expectations, suggesting a lack of consistency in decision-making.
Conversely, R Ashwin presented a different perspective on his YouTube channel, arguing that there was no immediate place for Sooryavanshi in the current XI. Ashwin suggested that if Sooryavanshi were to play, he should be sent on the Zimbabwe tour, where the incumbent openers would not be present. He explained that players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who are not part of the Test or ODI teams, need the T20 format to maintain their relevance within the team structure. Ashwin stated that while Sooryavanshi deserves a place on merit, it should not come at the expense of the current openers, unless there is a loss of form or an injury. The upcoming series against England, starting on July 1, will present a more challenging scenario for these selection decisions.
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Source: rediff.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter