New Delhi: The big question ahead of India’s first T20I against Ireland on Friday is whether young all-rounder Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will make his international debut.The 15-year-old has caused quite a stir since his selection in the Indian squad, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if he gets a chance in the two games in Belfast.In addition to waiting, Vaibhav’s parents have gone to Northern Ireland and arrived at Team India’s hotel in Belfast. A video shared on social media showed them entering the hotel, sparking speculation that the youngster could be in for a memorable row.
‘Dream come true’ by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Ahead of the series, Vaibhav spoke about how he received his Indian jersey for the first time.“I mean, words can’t explain. The reason why I picked up the bat from day one and went to the cricket ground, today that dream has come true, and the biggest part of the journey has come true today. I cannot say these words,” Vaibhav said in a BCCI video.The youngster admitted that he struggled to get over the moment he saw the Indian jersey for the first time.“It felt like a dream. The moment I saw that T-shirt, I couldn’t stop smiling. Sometimes, something happens that you never thought would happen, and in the end, you don’t know how to respond. This is how I felt,” he added.
The rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s reputation
Vaibhav recently became the youngest player to be selected for the Indian men’s national team, breaking a record that stood for 36 years. The previous record was held by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16 in 1989.The rapid rise of the Bihar batsmen has been one of the biggest stories in Indian Cricket this year.Just a few days before joining the national team, Vaibhav produced another amazing performance in the India A series. In the tri-series against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on June 21, he blasted 94 runs off just 29 balls.During that innings, he reached his middle age of just 11, setting a new List A world record for the fastest fifty. The previous marker was Sri Lanka’s Kaushalya Weeraratne’s 12th ball half-century.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: IPL hero to India hopes
Vaibhav was called up to India after an impressive IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. He finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 776 runs at an incredible 237.30.The youngster also broke the record of 72 sixes and won several major awards, including Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker and Super Sixes.With India set to play T20I series against Ireland and England in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the team selection in Belfast. If selected, Vaibhav will take another big step in a journey that has already captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country.
