Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi get an India debut or a warm bench in Ireland? Gavaskar answers

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise in the Indian senior team has earned Sunil Gavaskar the backing, with the batting legend demanding that the 15-year-old be given an immediate opportunity during the upcoming T20I series against Ireland.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Gavaskar said India should not hesitate to drop one of their established openers if it allows Sooryavanshi to play in both matches of the two-match series in Dublin.

The teenager earned his first India call-up after a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign, with his performances proving impossible for the selectors to ignore. Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the season, dazzling the fans with his fearless batting and remarkable composure despite his age. His exploits in the IPL have convinced the selectors that he is ready for the next step in his career.

Currently, the opening positions are occupied by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samsonboth of whom played a key role in India’s successful World T20 title defense earlier this year. Ishan Kishan is also part of the squad, giving India some established options at the top of the order. However, Gavaskar believes there is enough flexibility in the squad to accommodate the teenager.

“I will definitely pick him for the Ireland T20Is. I would love to to see him play in the Ireland T20Is,” said Gavaskar.

“Give him a chance before, say, maybe Sanju Samson or Abhishek Sharma. Maybe in one match Abhishek Sharma will be left out. In the next match Sanju Samson will be left out.”

For Gavaskar, the series represents Ireland an ideal opportunity to test Sooryavanshi at the international level. With India looking to build depth ahead of future ICC events, the former captain feels that early exposure of young talent to international cricket can only boost the team’s long-term prospects.

HOW COULD YOU LEAVE SOORYAVANSHI OUT?

For Gavaskar, Sooryavanshi’s selection was less of a surprise and more of an inevitability.

The former Indian captain said that teenager’s performance during IPL 2026 the selectors had no choice but to reward him with a place in the national section. In a tournament packed with established stars and international names, Sooryavanshi has repeatedly excelled with his fearless approach and ability to score runs under pressure.

“Well, that was to be expected, wasn’t it? Look at the form he’s been in. Look at the number of runs he’s scored. Then how could you leave him out of the lineup?” Gavaskar said.

The batsman emphasized that performances must be rewarded, especially in the T20 format where confidence and dynamism often play a significant role.

“You have to reward performance and I think they did that.

While Gavaskar wants Sooryavanshi to get game time in Ireland, he also recognized the value of simply being among the seniors at such an early stage in his career.

The Indian dressing room currently features some of the most successful players in white-ball cricket. Being able to train with them, understand the demands of international cricket and watch elite professionals prepare can prove invaluable to a teenager just starting his journey at the highest level.

Whether Gavaskar breaks into the playing XI immediately or not, he feels the experience of being part of the set-up will only accelerate Sooryavanshi’s development.

“So whatever matches he plays, we’ll have to wait and see. But whatever it is, being in that Indian dressing room will also be a great learning experience for him as his career takes off.”

For now, however, Gavaskar’s message to the team management is clear: if Sooryavanshi is good enough to be picked, he is good enough to play.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

June 6, 2026 6:43 PM IST