Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would have taken their pants off: Ravi Shastri’s blunt verdict goes viral

Ravi Shastri has never been one to hold back, and the former India head coach was at his forthright best while making a passionate case for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international debut.

Sooryavanshi earned his maiden senior India call-up for the tours of Ireland and England after a remarkable run in age-group cricket and the IPL. But while many expected the teenager to be handed an opportunity in Ireland, the team management stuck with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order in all three matches, with Ishan Kishan completing the top three.

15-year-old made to wait: What exactly is India’s plan for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Shastri believes India missed the perfect chance to unleash one of the country’s most exciting batting prospects. Speaking on Sony Sports Network before the first T20I against England, the former India coach said Sooryavanshi would have made light work of the Irish attack.

“Arrey, woh khelna chahiye tha yaar (He should have played against Ireland). It was such a slow and spongy track. He would have smacked them on the terrace, it was such a small ground. He would have taken their pants off. He should have definitely played there. Now, whether he plays in England, I’m not sure. I am not sure whether they will blame him, but give him a game as soon as possible. He has smashed everyone in the IPL. Which fast bowler did he spare? And you’re making him warm the bench.”

Shastri’s remarks came after India suffered a surprise 0-2 series defeat to Ireland, the hosts’ first bilateral series victory over the three-time world champions. The result only strengthened his belief that India should have trusted the teenager.

The former India coach also explained why he feels Sooryavanshi is ready for international cricket.

“He is the X-factor, does not have any baggage. He is just 15, has the exuberance of youth. He has no fear, and if he gets going in the first 2-3 overs, he will give you the kind of start that the middle order can capitalise on. You will have to make space for him.”

Sooryavanshi’s wait for a senior India debut continued on Wednesday after he was again left out of the playing XI for the opening T20I against England in Chester-le-Street.

The Indian think tank has continued to back the World Cup-winning top order of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, leaving no room for the teenager despite mounting calls for his inclusion.

The left-hander has done little wrong over the past year. He starred in India’s title-winning campaign in the Under-19 World Cup, smashing 175 in the final, before producing a stunning IPL 2026 season. He finished with 776 runs to win the Orange Cap, becoming the youngest player to top the tournament’s run-scoring charts.

India still have four T20Is left on the England tour, giving Sooryavanshi another chance to break into the playing XI.

– Ends