MUMBAI: Batting great Sunil Gavaskar backed youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his debut for India in the T20I opener against England in Durham on Wednesday, saying the 15-year-old could provide what India needed after their disappointing 0-2 defeat in Ireland.India’s batting line-up struggled throughout the Ireland series under new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, leading to a five-match lead against England. Gavaskar believes that Sooryavanshi’s anonymity will help India.“I hope that Sooryavanshi plays the first game because it will be the start of a new series and he will make the team fly. It is the best way to save from the destruction against Ireland,” said Gavaskar.He admitted that Sooryavanshi’s eligibility in the playing XI could be difficult due to the performances of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, but said England’s lack of familiarity with the youngster could be a key factor.“So, if he goes, he can take the game and I think that’s what India needs at this time, after this loss, and for someone to show up immediately. So, the host England is put behind immediately,” added Gavaskar.
Sunil Gavaskar supports Iyer, says patience is key
Despite Shreyas Iyer’s poor start as India’s T20I captain, Gavaskar urged patience, saying that adapting to international leadership takes time.“I think it’s a new relationship, there’s always a little time for both the supporters to understand and the players to understand what’s expected of them,” he said.“Shreyas Iyer’s leadership has been proven over the years in the T20 format. We’ve seen him win trophies, win titles, get teams into the knockouts and get teams to the finals. “Gavaskar also felt that the Indian batsmen needed to adapt to the conditions after struggling against the easy batting pitches in Belfast.“In any type of game and any game, I think you play the way you are,” he said, adding that shot selection and decision-making frustrated India in Ireland.Gavaskar also helped Rohit Sharma to clear doubts about his future in the upcoming ODI series against England.“So, I think England is the best platform for him to show that even after a year and a half, he will be there opening for India,” he said.On England pacer Jofra Archer, Gavaskar said his reaction often depends on his mood on the day.“He is a top player and you know, if he is, if I can say, if I can use this word, if he has an attitude, he can cause problems for everyone,” he said.Gavaskar added that Ben Stokes’ resignation was not a surprise at all, although he expected the England international to leave at the end of the domestic season rather than immediately.(Watch India Tour of England 2026, England vs India, 1st T20I on July 1, 2026, from 10:00 PM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada) Sony Sports HD Ten 5 MAX SD).