India set to debut 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in T20 against Ireland
8 reported
India are expected to hand a debut to 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Friday’s first T20 international against Ireland in Belfast, according to a BBC Sport report. At 15 years and 91 days, he would be younger than Sachin Tendulkar, who made his one-day international debut at 16 years and 205 days. Sooryavanshi will use separate changing rooms from teammates for safeguarding reasons due to his age. His selection follows a standout Indian Premier League season in which he scored 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike-rate of 237.30 for the Rajasthan Royals. Days before the report, batting for India A against Sri Lanka A, he broke the record for the fastest half-century in List A 50-over cricket, reaching the milestone off 11 balls. BBC Sport spoke to former players Rahul Dravid, Michael Vaughan, and Justin Langer, who described his talent, hand-eye coordination, and ability to read bowlers.
What’s reported
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to debut for India in the first T20 against Ireland in Belfast on Friday.
He will be 15 years and 91 days old on debut, younger than Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI debut age of 16 years and 205 days.
He will use separate changing rooms from teammates for safeguarding reasons.
In the 2025 IPL season, he was the highest run-scorer with 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike-rate of 237.30 for Rajasthan Royals.
He broke the record for fastest half-century in List A 50-over cricket, reaching 50 off 11 balls for India A against Sri Lanka A.
Justin Langer called his hands “like a hose in a swimming pool” and noted his first IPL ball was a six over cover.
Rahul Dravid, who coached him at Rajasthan Royals, said he has “cricket smarts” and “fearlessness.”
Michael Vaughan said Sooryavanshi watches cartoons before games and “eats everything.”
Key figures
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Indian cricketer
Rahul Dravid, former India batter and Rajasthan Royals coach
Michael Vaughan, former England captain and commentator
Justin Langer, former Australia international and Lucknow Super Giants coach
Sources: BBC News
