Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi deserves an opportunity at the international level, but not at the expense of India’s established T20I opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. According to Ashwin, the ideal platform for Sooryavanshi’s debut would be a future tour, such as Zimbabwe, where the first-choice openers are unlikely to feature.
The 15-year-old has been one of the biggest talking points of India’s tour of Ireland after earning his maiden senior call-up following a sensational IPL 2026 season and impressive performances for India A. Many expected him to make his international debut in the opening T20I in Belfast, but the team management retained the T20 World Cup-winning opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
Following India’s shock defeat to Ireland, which saw Samson dismissed for just five runs, several former cricketers and fans called for Sooryavanshi to be included in the second and final T20I. However, Ashwin feels continuity should take priority over making reactive changes.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin said there is currently no place for Sooryavanshi in India’s strongest T20I XI. “There is no place for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi right now. If he has to play, selectors should send him on a Zimbabwe tour where these incumbent openers won’t be playing,” Ashwin said.
The veteran spinner also highlighted the challenge faced by India’s specialist T20 players in an ODI World Cup preparation year. With Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma not featuring regularly in India’s ODI or Test squads, Ashwin argued that T20I series remain their primary opportunity to represent the country.
“Earlier, one player played all three formats. Now that’s no longer the case. If these T20 specialists don’t get opportunities here, where will they play?” Ravichandran Ashwin questioned.
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While acknowledging that Sooryavanshi’s performances fully justify national selection, Ashwin believes the youngster should only replace an opener if there is a prolonged loss of form or an injury. In his view, rewarding current performers while gradually integrating emerging talent remains the best approach as India continues building towards the next T20 World Cup cycle.
