Team India young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has sparked fresh speculation about his long-awaited India debut after posting a cryptic message on social media ahead of the second T20I against England. The 15-year-old IPL sensation, who has been warming the bench since the last three T20Is, shared an Instagram story with the caption new chapter, triggering discussions that he could finally be included in the playing XI.
Sooryavanshi’s Instagram story comes at a time when the team India management is weighing its options after the opening T20I against England was abandoned due to rain. The youngster has impressed the fans and management during training sessions on the England tour, with several videos of his net sessions gaining traction on social media. But did not get the debbute in 1st T20I which was abandoned due to rain.
While there has been no official confirmation from the team management about Sooryavanshi’s debut, the timing of his post has fuelled expectations that he could receive his maiden India cap in Saturday’s match. The cricket pundits has been predicting about his debut because team India opener Sanju Samson’s poor run in the two T2OIs against Ireland and first T20I against England.
On the eve of the second T20I, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel said the team management wanted to continue backing players who had played key roles in India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph. He pointed to the presence of established performers such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, saying it was important to show trust in players who had delivered on the international stage.
Morkel acknowledged that Sooryavanshi had adapted well to the senior squad and impressed during practice sessions but maintained that the coaching staff would continue supporting the current top-order batters. He added that the teenager had looked comfortable despite the pressure of being part of the national team at just 15 years of age and expressed confidence that he would be ready whenever an opportunity came.
Speculation over Sooryavanshi’s inclusion has intensified amid Sanju Samson’s lean run on the UK tour. Samson has managed scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his last three innings, prompting discussions over whether India could make a change at the top of the order. However, the team management has so far refrained from altering a batting unit that recently helped India lift the T20 World Cup.
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel said the bigger responsibility for the coaching staff was to ensure transparent communication with the teenager. According to Patel, if Sooryavanshi is not part of the immediate plans, the management should clearly explain the reasons to him, considering his young age. He also noted that Sooryavanshi currently sits behind Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the pecking order, with all three playing significant roles in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign.
With the second T20I approaching, all eyes will now be on India’s team selection to see whether one of the country’s brightest young talents finally gets his opportunity on the international stage.