No debut but loud cheers: Belfast crowd shows love for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – WATCH

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the first India vs Ireland T20I in Belfast NEW DELHI: The wait for 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India debut continued but the youngster still won a lot of hearts during the first T20I against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday.Many fans arrived at the ground hoping to see the teenage star in India’s playing eleven after his sensational IPL season. Although Sooryavanshi was not selected, the crowd made sure he felt their support. During the match, Sooryavanshi was seen carrying drinks to his teammates along with Ravi Bishnoi spinning. Loud cheers echoed through the stadium every time the teenager appeared near the boundary ropes.

The wait for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut continues

The excitement started even before the match when new Indian captain Shreyas Iyer arrived for the toss. After naming the playing XI, Iyer was immediately asked if Sooryavanshi would make his international debut.“Unfortunately not (Sooryavanshi’s debut). He is a goalscorer but we have some great players who have done well for us so we are backing them. He will get his chance when the time comes,” Iyer said.India retained the core of the side that won the T20 World Cup earlier this year, with Sooryavanshi having to bide his time.

A history of Irish writing

While the pre-match focus was on whether Sooryavanshi would play, the headlines ultimately belonged to Ireland.The hosts stunned the reigning T20 World Cup champions with a 34-run win, their first ever victory over India in any format.Ireland recovered from 51/4 to 182/9 before bowling India out for 148 in 18.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Shreyas Iyer promises a strong response

After suffering defeat in his first match as India’s T20I captain, Iyer admitted that the team has room for improvement.“We won’t forget what happened and we can learn a lot from this game. All guns blazing in the next game.”

Irish debutants impress

India-born left-arm paceman Jai Moondra enjoyed a memorable debut as he dismissed Sanju Samson with his very first ball to finish with 2/25.Matt Hollard also played on debut and took three wickets, including those of Ishan Kishan and Iyer. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys claimed three wickets as Ireland’s disciplined attack never allowed India to recover from Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 20-ball 50.The two teams will meet again in the second and final T20I on Sunday, where Sooryavanshi could once again be in contention for his long-awaited India debut.