Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut ends on 14 as Gavaskar reacts
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India debut lasted only 10 balls, but the 15-year-old left-hander still gave fans a quick look at why he is being watched so closely. Playing in the second T20I against England in Manchester, Sooryavanshi scored 14 runs before being stumped by Jos Buttler off Will Jacks in the fifth over.
His innings was short, but not quiet. He hit two sixes, one against Jofra Archer and another against Josh Tongue, showing the confidence that has made him one of Indian cricket’s most discussed young names. The first six came off a sharp delivery from Archer, which Sooryavanshi turned into a bold no-look whip behind square. The second was a more powerful hit over long-on against Tongue.
Gavaskar points out shot selection issue
Sunil Gavaskar felt Sooryavanshi’s dismissal came from an uncharacteristic shot. The youngster stepped out to a wide off-break from Will Jacks and tried to cut, but missed the ball completely. Buttler collected it cleanly and completed the stumping.
Gavaskar said the cut shot is not Sooryavanshi’s strongest option, noting that his natural shot is the cover drive. It was a fair technical observation rather than a harsh criticism. Before the match, Gavaskar had praised the teenager and said Indian fans would be eager to see him succeed, calling him “India’s baby.”
Youngest India debutant shows early promise
Sooryavanshi became India’s youngest international debutant at 15 years and 99 days, moving past the age mark linked with Sachin Tendulkar’s India debut. That alone made the match a major moment in Indian cricket. The attention around him was huge, and every shot was closely watched.
England captain Harry Brook made a smart move by introducing Will Jacks early. The off-spinner tempted Sooryavanshi into leaving his crease, and the debutant paid the price. It was a reminder that international cricket punishes even small mistakes quickly.
India still reached 190 for 7, helped by Tilak Varma’s late hitting in difficult overcast and windy conditions. For Sooryavanshi, the debut will be remembered as a mix of promise and lesson. He showed fearlessness against pace, but his dismissal also showed where he needs control and patience.
The bigger story is not that he got out for 14. The real point is how he responds from here. At 15, he has time, talent and public backing. But the next step is tougher: turning exciting cameos into mature innings for India.
