'You told Sooryavanshi to serve water': Ex-India star questions his debut timing
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has criticized the team management for the timing of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's international debut. Kaif argues that debuting the teenager against England instead of Ireland caused unnecessary pressure, impacting his early performance.
Why it matters
The critique highlights the high-pressure environment of international cricket and the strategic management of young talent in high-stakes series.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should have made his international debut during the Ireland series instead of being introduced in England. Kaif feels the 15-year-old would have settled into international cricket better if he had got an opportunity in Ireland first.Sooryavanshi earned his maiden India call-up after an outstanding IPL 2026 season. He was picked for the tours of Ireland and England but did not get a game in Ireland. After Sanju Samson struggled with the bat, the team management handed Sooryavanshi his debut in England. However, the teenager had a difficult start, scoring 14, 13 and 15 in the three T20Is he played before being left out of the fifth and final match.Kaif, who represented India in 13 Tests and 125 ODIs, said Sooryavanshi's confidence would have been much higher had he been given his debut in Ireland.“Vaibhav is an X-factor player.
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