Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Didn't Debut Against Ireland? India Coach Breaks Silence After Ireland Series Loss

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for international cricket, but said the young batter will have to wait for his opportunity as the team continues to back Sanju Samson.

The 15-year-old earned a place in India's squad after an outstanding IPL 2026 season. Sooryavanshi finished as the tournament's Player of the Tournament after scoring 776 runs in 16 innings at an incredible strike rate of 237.3.

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His performances convinced the selectors to fast-track him into the national team, but he did not get a chance to play in either of the two T20Is against Ireland. India went on to lose the series 2-0, leading to calls from fans and experts for the teenager to be included in the playing XI.

Speaking after the match, Ten Doeschate said Sooryavanshi is capable of playing at the highest level but explained why the team has not rushed him into the side.

“He is absolutely ready to play international cricket; there is no doubt about that. But also, I think it isn’t a question to say you can leave Sanju Samson out. A guy who went a long way to winning India the World Cup three months ago," Ten Doeschate said at the post-match press conference.

Samson struggled in the Ireland series, getting out for golden ducks in both matches. Even so, the Indian team management is continuing to show faith in the experienced wicketkeeper-batter ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series against England.

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Ten Doeschate said the team wants to give players enough time to prove themselves instead of making quick changes after a few poor performances.

“It is important in terms of giving players confidence and the message we are sending to players. We want to give guys a long run in the team. So, you know, as ready as Vaibhav is and as excited as we are and you are to see him play, he is going to have to go through the same process as everyone else and, you know, bide his time and wait," Ten Doeschate said.

For now, it appears Sooryavanshi's debut will depend more on how India's current top-order batters perform than on his own impressive record. Although he is considered ready for international cricket, the team management is in no hurry to make changes.