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Ravi Shastri slams India's decision to bench Sooryavanshi
Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed disappointment following India's decision to bench the batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Ireland T20Is and deny him an international debut. After a blistering campaign at the IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi was picked in India's squad for the T20I assignments against Ireland and England.
During the Ireland series, which India lost 2-0, the young gun did not get the chance, with the management preferring the opening of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. And, on Wednesday in the first T20I against England, India continued with the same combination, keeping Sooryavanshi waiting. Meanwhile, Shastri believed that the phenomenal kid should have been given a chance given his sheer hitting ability.
Arrey, woh khelna chahiye tha yaar (He should have played in 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. I am not sure whether they will blame him, but give him a game as soon as possible," Shastri said on Sony Sports.
In the IPL, Sooryavanshi finished as the top run scorer, bludgeoning 776 runs, including 72 sixes in 16 games.
"He has smashed everyone in the IPL. Which fast bowler did he spare? And you're making him warm the bench," he said.
Shastri also pointed out that Vaibhav has no fear, making him a threatening batter.
"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 said.
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