Xplorich
The excitement around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has gone far beyond India, with the 15-year-old attracting attention from cricket fans across the world. Such has been the hype surrounding the teenage sensation that tickets for India’s T20Is in Ireland were snapped up by supporters hoping to watch him in action. However, Sooryavanshi remained on the sidelines throughout the two-match series.The story did not change after India travelled to Durham for the T20Is against England. Despite the growing anticipation around his international debut, the youngster once again had to settle for a place on the bench. His continued omission has left several former cricketers puzzled, including Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar. Now, former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook have also questioned India’s decision. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Vaughan admitted he could not understand why Sooryavanshi had not been given an opportunity, even suggesting he would like to put the question directly to the BCCI and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.“We must say to the BCCI and the selector, Ajit, how has he not played against Ireland? Our mate, the Kid,” said Vaughan on the Stick to Cricket podcast, to which Cook replied: “I’m there tomorrow, and I’m driving up as a fan to make sure that the 15-year-old kid plays.”While Vaughan and Cook’s comments reflected the growing curiosity over Sooryavanshi’s absence, the chances of the Indian team management changing course appear slim. The selectors and coaching staff have consistently maintained that the teenager’s opportunity will come at the appropriate time.At present, Sooryavanshi’s path into the playing XI is blocked by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, both of whom remain firmly established in India’s T20I side. Having played key roles in India’s third T20 World Cup triumph four months ago, neither batter is expected to lose his place anytime soon.Even so, Sooryavanshi’s omission has continued to spark debate considering the extraordinary rise he has enjoyed over the past five months. The left-hander first captained India Under-19 to the World Cup title, smashing a breathtaking 175 in the final. He then carried that momentum into the IPL, piling up 776 runs to become the youngest-ever Orange Cap winner.Before joining the senior squad for the Ireland tour, Sooryavanshi also impressed for India A in Sri Lanka. His match-winning 94 in the final included the fastest half-century in List A cricket and played a decisive role in India’s comprehensive victory, further strengthening the case of those eager to see the teenage prodigy make his international debut.
