Overview
- India named Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the senior T20 squads but did not play him in the two Ireland T20Is or the England opener, keeping their World Cup‑winning top order intact.
- The decision has provoked a split of opinion this week with former coach Ravi Shastri urging an immediate debut and former batter Daryll Cullinan warning that fast‑tracking a 15‑year‑old risks long‑term harm.
- Ravichandran Ashwin defended the youngster’s bench role as a learning experience after Sooryavanshi was seen bringing drinks during matches, arguing such duties are not degrading.
- BCCI and hosts have put safeguarding steps in place, including parental travel and separate facilities, following on‑tour incidents and concerns about exposing a minor to intense media and social‑media scrutiny.
- If given a cap later in the series Sooryavanshi would set age records by becoming the youngest man to play a top‑level T20 international for India, a prospect that adds urgency to the selection debate and increases public attention.