India vs Ireland 2nd T20 (Img: IANS)
New Delhi: India’s 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait longer for his international debut as he was not included in the playing XI for the second T20I against Ireland on Sunday.
Despite strong buzz around his possible debut, the Indian team management decided against handing him the cap for the second consecutive match. According to match-day reports, Sooryavanshi is not injured and there is no confirmed fitness concern, indicating that the decision is tactical rather than forced.
The main reason appears to be India’s existing top-order combination. With players like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma already part of the batting setup, the management seems to be backing the current order instead of rushing the young left-hander into international cricket.
After India’s loss in the first T20I, captain Shreyas Iyer had said that Sooryavanshi was a “gun player” but added that the team had several experienced players who had done well and were being backed.
While Sooryavanshi remained on the waiting list, pacer Prince Yadav and all-rounder Suryansh Shedge were handed their India debuts in the second T20I. Their inclusion suggests that India focused more on adjusting the bowling and all-round balance rather than changing the top order.
India entered the second T20I under pressure after losing the opening match against Ireland. The defeat made the final game a must-win contest for Shreyas Iyer’s side.
For now, Sooryavanshi’s fans will have to wait. The teenager remains one of the most talked-about names in Indian cricket, but the management appears keen to introduce him at the right moment rather than under pressure.
