Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must play in T20I against England at all costs: Sunil Gavaskar's firm message

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has made a strong case for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his international debut in the first T20I against England, insisting the teenage batting prodigy "has to play" after India's underwhelming 0-2 series defeat to Ireland.

India's batting struggled throughout the two-match series in Belfast, where the visitors failed to chase down targets in both games. The defeats intensified scrutiny over the team management's decision to keep the 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals star on the bench despite his prolific form.

Gavaskar's unequivocal message

Speaking after India's narrow defeat in the second T20I, Gavaskar said the team management had already missed the ideal opportunity to test Sooryavanshi in Ireland and should not postpone his debut any further.

"For a month, I had been saying that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could have played both games... If you had to try a young player, these two matches were the ideal opportunity," Gavaskar said. He added that the youngster must feature in the opening T20I against England, either as an opener or at No. 3.

Suggested batting reshuffle

While acknowledging the successful opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, Gavaskar said India need not break the partnership entirely.

Instead, he suggested dropping an out-of-form middle-order batter and accommodating Sooryavanshi at No. 3 if necessary.

"If you want to shock England, then you have to play him. He might fail, but if he gets going, England will be rattled," Gavaskar said, highlighting the youngster's fearless approach and explosive strokeplay.

Why the hype around Sooryavanshi?

The left-handed batter has emerged as one of India's brightest young talents after a sensational rise through domestic and franchise cricket.

He impressed during the IPL with Rajasthan Royals before continuing his rich vein of form in domestic cricket, including a record-breaking List-A half-century off just 11 deliveries. Those performances earned him his maiden India call-up, but he is yet to receive his first international cap.

Team management urges patience

Despite growing calls for his inclusion, India's coaching staff has maintained a cautious approach.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate recently said Sooryavanshi is technically ready for international cricket but stressed that the youngster would continue to follow the team's long-term development plan rather than being rushed into the XI.

The debate over Sooryavanshi's selection is expected to intensify ahead of the five-match T20I series against England, with many former cricketers and fans backing the teenager to make his long-awaited debut.