Shreyas Iyer backs India’s senior stars amid calls for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut
As calls grow louder for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his India debut, captain Shreyas Iyer has urged patience, saying the team’s experienced players deserve continued backing after playing a key role in India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph.
Speaking ahead of the opening T20I against England on Tuesday, Iyer defended the team management’s selection policy after Sooryavanshi was overlooked during India’s 2-0 series defeat to Ireland. Instead, debut caps were handed to all-rounder Suryansh Shedge and fast bowler Prince Yadav.
Iyer said the focus should not be on a single player, stressing that every member of the current squad had earned their place through consistent performances. “Every individual playing in the team has performed; it’s not just one individual who has done it,” Iyer said at the pre-match press conference.
“We need to provide everyone with opportunities and build security so that each individual has confidence going forward into the tournaments.” The India skipper also highlighted the importance of backing the core group that helped the team win the T20 World Cup.
“Those who helped us win the last World Cup, definitely them. We also have an idea of how to play T20 and consistently play those formats. In a way, I have a lot of pillars to back,” he said.
Sooryavanshi still waiting
Despite the growing hype around the 15-year-old, Sooryavanshi remained on the bench throughout the Ireland series. Had he played, he would have become the youngest cricketer to represent India in international cricket.
India instead persisted with an experienced top order featuring Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, all of whom have been integral to the team’s recent white-ball success.
However, the Ireland series intensified the debate over Sooryavanshi’s inclusion. Samson was dismissed for ducks in both matches, while Kishan managed scores of just 1 and 12 as India suffered a surprise 2-0 series defeat, ending its run of 16 consecutive T20I bilateral series wins.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has previously said that Sooryavanshi must “go through the process” like every other player, while acknowledging that the teenager has the talent to succeed at the international level.
India now take on England in a five-match T20I series, where tougher bowling conditions and a high-quality pace attack could influence the team’s selection decisions. Whether Sooryavanshi finally gets his long-awaited debut remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of the series opener.
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