Mumbai: Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar has called for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be given an immediate opportunity in the Indian T20I side, suggesting that the youngster should feature in the upcoming series against Ireland.
Sooryavanshi, just 15, has been included in India’s squad for the T20I tours of Ireland and England following a sensational IPL 2026 season, where he emerged as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 776 runs for the Rajasthan Royals.
Gavaskar backs bold selection call
Speaking to India TodayGavaskar made a strong case for the young batter’s inclusion in the playing XI, even if it means rotating established names.
“I’ll pick him for the Ireland T20Is for sure. I’d like to see him play in the Ireland T20Is,” Gavaskar said.
Despite India having a settled opening combination featuring Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, Gavaskar believes the team management should not hesitate to experiment.
“Give him a chance ahead of, say, maybe Sanju Samson or Abhishek Sharma. Maybe in one match Abhishek Sharma is left out. In another match, Sanju Samson is left out,” he suggested.
His comments underline the growing excitement around Sooryavanshi, whose fearless batting and consistency have drawn comparisons with some of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.
BCCI ensures support system for youngster
Recognising the challenges of early international exposure, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has taken steps to ensure that Sooryavanshi remains comfortable during his transition to the senior setup.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the player’s father, Sanjeev, has been flown to Sri Lanka to be with him during the ongoing India ‘A’ assignment. The board has also offered to facilitate his parents’ presence during the upcoming tours of the UK and Ireland.
“So to make him comfortable with the new environment, especially with him being a child, we have made arrangements for his father to be with him,” Saikia said.
The initiative highlights a more player-centric approach by the board, particularly when dealing with prodigious young talent stepping into the international arena.
Rapid rise backed by record-breaking IPL
Sooryavanshi’s selection comes on the back of a historic IPL 2026 campaign. The left-handed batter not only clinched the Orange Cap but also secured multiple awards, including Emerging Player of the Season and Most Valuable Player.
He scored 776 runs in 16 matches, registering one century and five half-centuries, while maintaining a remarkable strike rate. His aggressive strokeplay and ability to dominate bowlers made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
His contributions were instrumental in Rajasthan Royals’ run to the playoffs, where they finished third after losing in Qualifier 2.
India call-up and upcoming schedule
Before joining the senior squad, Sooryavanshi is currently part of the India ‘A’ team participating in a 50-over tri-series in Sri Lanka, beginning June 9 in Dambulla. The exposure is expected to further prepare him for international cricket.
India’s T20I schedule includes a two-match series against Ireland in June, followed by a five-match series against England in July. Later in the year, the team will also compete in the Asian Games 2026.
These fixtures present multiple opportunities for Sooryavanshi to make his debut, with the Ireland series seen as the most likely platform given its relatively lower-pressure environment.
A defining moment awaits
The decision now rests with the team management, but Gavaskar’s endorsement adds significant weight to calls for an early debut. With India looking to build bench strength and identify future stars, Sooryavanshi’s inclusion could mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Conclusion
As anticipation builds around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international debut, Sunil Gavaskar’s blunt advice reflects a broader sentiment — that exceptional talent deserves timely opportunity. Whether the youngster gets his chance in Ireland remains to be seen, but his meteoric rise suggests it may only be a matter of time before he dons the India jersey on the biggest stage.
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