Debate over Sooryavanshi’s omission

By Arjun Nair / 29.06.2026

By Arjun Nair — 29 June 2026 — 3 min read

Debate over Sooryavanshi’s omission

The decision to keep Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the bench throughout India‘s recent series defeat to Ireland has sparked considerable debate among former cricketers. While some former players, including Sunil Gavaskar and Mohammed Kaif, advocated for his inclusion, others, like R Ashwin, supported the team management’s approach. The discussion now extends to India‘s upcoming tour of England, which begins on July 1.

Many observers view the situation as a missed opportunity for the young talent. Historically, matches against lower-ranked teams have been used to introduce new players to international cricket without significant pressure. Instead, following India‘s loss in the first T20I against Ireland, the team management opted for continuity, citing a desire to back their T20 World Cup-winning core.

However, this rationale has been questioned due to perceived inconsistencies. For instance, Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of the World Cup-winning team, was not included in the squad, leading to accusations of a flawed selection process.

Calls for immediate inclusion

Sunil Gavaskar has been a vocal proponent of Sooryavanshi‘s immediate debut, suggesting that form should have been the primary consideration in Belfast. He stated that Sooryavanshi, given his recent performance, could have played in both matches against Ireland. Gavaskar proposed various batting order adjustments to accommodate the young player, such as having Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson open, or slotting Sooryavanshi at number three.

According to Gavaskar, it is now imperative for Sooryavanshi to play from the first match of the England series. He suggested that out-of-form batters should be benched to make way for the prodigy. Gavaskar believes that if India aims to surprise England, playing Sooryavanshi from the outset is crucial, even if there’s a possibility of early failure.

Mohammed Kaif echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Sooryavanshi‘s strong form, including winning the Orange Cap and the MVP award. Kaif criticised the team’s inconsistent logic, pointing out that while the team claimed to back experienced players, Suryakumar Yadav had been replaced in subsequent series in favour of younger talent.

Former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary also expressed his disapproval, accusing the coaching staff of adhering to preconceived notions rather than acknowledging current form. He argued that Sooryavanshi‘s strong performances warranted his inclusion.

Alternative viewpoints and future considerations

In contrast, former India spinner R Ashwin offered a different perspective, suggesting that there was no immediate place for Sooryavanshi in the current playing eleven. Ashwin argued that players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who do not participate in Test or ODI cricket, rely on the T20 format to maintain their relevance within the team structure. He proposed that if Sooryavanshi were to play, it should be during tours like the one to Zimbabwe, where incumbent openers might not be present.

Ashwin emphasised that while Sooryavanshi‘s merit demands a place, it should not come at the expense of established openers. He indicated that a spot for Sooryavanshi would ideally open up due to a loss of form or an injury replacement among current players. The tension surrounding this decision is now a public challenge for India to address.

The series against Ireland was seen as an ideal, low-pressure environment for a debut, but the opportunity was not utilised. The upcoming five-match series against England, starting on July 1, presents a more demanding scenario, making the decision regarding Sooryavanshi‘s inclusion even more critical.

Source: indiatoday.in