Sooryavanshi’s wait for India debut puts him under more pressure: Gavaskar

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s wait for his senior India debut continued on Wednesday after the 15-year-old was again left out of the playing XI for the opening T20I against England at Chester-le-Street.

While The Indian team management continues to support its top order of World Cup winners Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, batting great Sunil Gavaskar believes delaying the teenager’s debut will only increase the pressure on him when he finally gets his chance.

Sooryavanshi, who earned his first India call-up after a record-breaking IPL season, also remained on the bench for both the T20Is against Ireland. As expectations around the youngster continue to grow, Gavaskar said the longer he waits, the higher the expectations will be when he finally makes his India debut.

“He (Sooryavanshi) will be put under more pressure whenever he gets an opportunity,” Gavaskar told Sony Sports. “But at 15, you don’t think about the pressure too much. He knows that if he gets a chance in the second or third game, he’s going to have to serve almost immediately. That’s there.”

However, the former India captain believes Sooryavanshi’s age could play in his favor and said the teenager will make the most of the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s best players.

“But he’s happy to be here. This Indian team is full of beautiful, amazing players and it’s fantastic for him to learn from them,” Gavaskar added.

India’s decision to stick with their established opening combination came despite a surprise T20I series defeat in Ireland. The management once again showed faith in the trio of Samson, Abhishek and Kishan and left Sooryavanshi waiting for the next opportunity.

However, the opening T20I against England ended in frustration after rain forced the match to end without a ball being bowled in England’s chase.

India recovered well from a disastrous start to post 189 for 7 after being reduced to 6 for 2 in the opening two overs. Sanju Samson departed after Tom Banton took a brilliant catch at backward point of Saqib Mahmood, while Ishan Kishan was out after a mix-up with Abhishek Sharma.

Abhishek responded in emphatic fashion, attacking the English bowlers with 59 off 24 balls. The left-hander also became the fastest batsman to hit 100 sixes in T20 Internationals, reaching the milestone in just 785 deliveries.

Captain Shreyas Iyer leveled the innings with a well-constructed 68 off 47 balls, while Shivam Dube provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 42 off 21 deliveries. Saqib Mahmood finished as England’s top-scorer with figures of 3 for 33.

England never got a chance to start the chase as the drizzle that had persisted for most of India’s innings intensified. The referees eventually called off the match and both teams settled for no result.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

02 Jul 2026 08:38 IST