Former Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri minced no words in conveying his disappointment over the delay in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi‘s T20I debut despite him being in prolific form. The 15-year-old, who earned his maiden India call-up in the series against Ireland, did not feature in either of the T20Is as the team management decided to back Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as the openers. Livid with India’s decision, Shastri claimed that Sooryavanshi would have easily dominated Ireland on the small venue, adding that he is the X factor that India need.
‘Would have taken their pants off’
Speaking on the broadcast on Sony Sports Network after the ENG vs IND 1st T20I was abandoned, Shastri claimed that Sooryavashi should have played on the slow and spongy track in Belfast in the IRE vs IND series, adding that he would have sent the ball outside the stadium in the small ground. The former India coach stressed on the need for India to give him a game as soon as possible, noting that he had not spared any bowler in the IPL.
“Arrey, woh khelna chahiye tha yaar (He should have played against Ireland). It was such a slow and spongy track. He would have smacked them on the terrace, it was such a small ground. He would have taken their pants off. He should have definitely played there. Now, whether he plays in England, I’m not sure,” Shastri said.
After playing a handy role in helping India U19 clinch the World Cup, Sooryavanshi continued to dominate with the bat. He scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30 in IPL 2026, making him not just the winner of the Orange Cap but also awards for hitting the most sixes, the most valuable player, the emerging player of the season, and the Super Striker of IPL 2026.
Dubbing Vaibhav as the X factor, Shastri claimed that the 15-year-old possessed no fear. He said that India ought to make space for Sooryavanshi as he could fire at the top of the order and then allow the middle order to capitalise on it.
“He is the X-factor, does not have any baggage. He is just 15, has the exuberance of youth. He has no fear, and if he gets going in the first 2-3 overs, he will give you the kind of start that the middle order can capitalise on. You will have to make space for him,” Shastri added.
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