NEW DELHI: The excitement around the 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s possible India debut continues to grow. BCCI has now given fans a glimpse of Sooryavanshi’s first training session with the senior team ahead of the first T20I on Friday in Belfast.In a video shared by the BCCI, Sooryavanshi looked completely at ease as he took guard in the nets. He played attacking strokes and cleared the boundary with his typical fearless approach.
Gambhir watches closely
Sooryavanshi batted under the watchful eyes of head coach Gautam Gambhir. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also closely observed the youngster during his batting session, occasionally offering inputs as he went through his drills.The session suggested that the Indian team management is giving Sooryavanshi every opportunity to settle into the senior setup ahead of the opening T20I against Ireland.
Training alongside senior stars
Apart from batting, Sooryavanshi was also seen taking part in fitness drills alongside his new teammates.The youngster joined captain Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan and vice-captain Tilak Varma during the warm-up, stretching and running with the rest of the squad.As the session ended, Kotak was seen patting Sooryavanshi on the back, a moment that reflected the support the teenager has already received within the Indian camp.
History beckons in Belfast
All eyes will now be on India’s team sheet for the first T20I against Ireland in Belfast.If picked, Sooryavanshi will become the youngest player to represent India in men’s international cricket. At 15 years and 91 days, he would break Sachin Tendulkar’s 36-year-old record. Tendulkar was 16 years and 205 days old when he made his international debut against Pakistan in 1989.The teenager has earned his chance after a sensational run across formats.
A dream run continues
Sooryavanshi was the highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, smashing 776 runs in 16 innings for Rajasthan Royals at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30.He carried that form into India A colours, where he rewrote the record books by scoring the fastest fifty in List A cricket history, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls against Sri Lanka A.His performances have made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the world and strengthened calls for an immediate India debut.
Selection headache for India
Despite the excitement, fitting Sooryavanshi into the playing XI is not an easy decision.India already have a settled top order, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson forming a successful opening pair during the T20 World Cup, while Ishan Kishan impressed at No. 3.Captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir will have to decide whether to reshuffle a winning combination to accommodate the teenage sensation.
A new era begins
The Ireland series also marks the beginning of a new chapter for India’s T20I side under captain Shreyas Iyer.India enter the two-match series as overwhelming favourites, boasting an unbeaten 8-0 record against Ireland in T20Is and having won 12 of their 14 matches in the format this year.Whether Sooryavanshi makes his debut immediately or has to wait, one thing is certain—the spotlight in Belfast will firmly be on the 15-year-old prodigy.
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