‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should’ve played,’ says Ravi Shastri, Cheteshwar Pujara disagrees:India legends divided over 15-year-old’s anticipated debut

The Indian cricket fraternity is left divided over the fast-tracking of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut against England in the T20I series. When the 15-year-old was drafted into the squad for the Ireland and England series, everyone expected that the teenager might make an appearance against Ireland. However, even a full-strength Indian team without the prodigy failed to halt Ireland and got whitewashed 2-0. Now, on one hand, people like former India coach Ravi Shastri are still strongly supporting the idea of propelling the teenager onto the field for at least a game. Meanwhile, others like Cheteshwar Pujara are doubting the push for the young prodigy while acknowledging the potential that Sooryavanshi has at such a tender age. Even England captain Harry Brook expected the 15-year-old’s appearance in the first T20I, but team management had other thoughts. So they opened India’s batting with Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, with the former again entering the ‘inconsistent era’ of his knocks, scoring just one run in 1st T20I. ‘Would’ve taken Ireland’s pants off’: Shastri backs Sooryavanshi’s quick debut Ravi Shastri cannot make head or tail of the think tank’s decision to leave Sooryavanshi out. He believes that had the youngster played against Ireland, he would have bludgeoned the Irish bowling attack in those conditions. While speaking on the Sony Sports Network before the 1st T20I between India and England, he said, “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.” Further adding to it, Shastri said, “Now, whether he plays in England, I’m not sure. I am not sure whether they will blame him, but give him a game as soon as possible. He has smashed everyone in the IPL. Which fast bowler did he spare? And you’re making him warm the bench.” Why is Ravi Shastri rating Vaibhav Sooryavanshi so high? Despite Ireland registering their first series win over the three-time world champions. Shastri did not budge from his stance and reiterated the value Sooryavanshi brings to the table. With four more T20Is remaining on the tour of England, only time will tell whether he gets his moment. But rest assured, Shastri mentioned why he rates the 15-year-old so highly in stature regardless of his age. “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,” he mentioned. Not too long ago, the teenager led India to the Under-19 World Cup title, scoring 175 in the final, before following it up with a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign. There he won the Orange Cap with 776 runs, becoming the youngest player to claim the honour. What makes Sooryavanshi special, besides his six-hitting ability, is how quickly he gets over failures and starts afresh. ‘Vaibhav shouldn’t play at the expense of dropping someone’: Pujara After managing just 5 runs in the Ireland series and one run after facing 7 balls in the 1st T20I, fans are now questioning Sanju Samson’s place in the Playing XI. He is the same guy whose T20 World Cup heroics took India past troubled waters and helped set history. Former India Test legend Cheteshwar Pujara echoed the same sentiment. “I think India should persist with Sanju Samson. I don’t think he should be feeling any pressure. He has proved himself in the T20 World Cup and, with the kind of talent he possesses, he should be there in the playing XI. There shouldn’t be a lot of noise about dropping Sanju Samson. If Vaibhav needs to play, he should play, but not at the expense of dropping someone, rather by resting someone.” Pujara further acknowledged that the 15-year-old deserves an opportunity and he will get it. However, he mentioned that India should not drop any of the top three batters for it and advised Samson to not exercise too much caution and play with a relaxed mind.