3 Players Who Can Be Axed For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Debut In IND vs IRE 2nd T20I

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson [Source: AFP]

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's much-anticipated senior India debut remains on hold. The 15-year-old batting sensation, who is on the verge of becoming the youngest player ever to represent Team India, was left out of the playing XI for the first T20I against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.

India's decision, however, backfired as the reigning T20 World Cup champions suffered a shocking 34-run defeat, handing Ireland a memorable victory and putting the visitors under pressure in the two-match series. 

With India now needing a win in the second T20I to avoid a series defeat, the team management could be tempted to ring in a few changes. That could finally open the door for Sooryavanshi's historic debut against an injury-hit Ireland side.

With that in mind, here's a look at three players who could make way for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in India's playing XI for the second T20I against Ireland.

Players Who Can Be Axed For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Debut In IND vs IRE 2nd T20I

Sanju Samson

Although Sanju Samson has been one of India's standout performers in T20Is over the past few months, his place in the XI could still come under scrutiny ahead of the second T20I. 

The wicketkeeper-batter enjoyed a sensational T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, finishing with 321 runs in just five innings at a staggering strike rate of 199.38.

However, T20 cricket is a format where recent performances often carry more weight than past achievements. Notably, Samson failed to capitalise on his opportunity in IND vs IRE first match, managing only five runs off four balls before being dismissed. 

At the same time, Abhishek Sharma's explosive half-century has strengthened his claim at the top of the order.

Furthermore, with India unexpectedly trailing in the series, the defending T20 World Champions find themselves under pressure. 

A defeat in the second T20I would not only hand Ireland their maiden T20I series win over India but would also mark India's first bilateral T20I series defeat since December 2023. 

Consequently, Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir could be tempted to inject fresh energy into the side by handing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his international debut.

Also Read: Tilak Varma Warned Before India vs Ireland T20Is, No Guarantee Given

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan is another player whose position could come under consideration following a disappointing outing in the opening match. 

The left-handed batter managed just one run off five deliveries before edging the ball high into the air, allowing Lorcan Tucker to complete a comfortable catch.

Moreover, India's think tank could use this opportunity to reshape the batting order. By bringing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the opening slot alongside the in-form Abhishek Sharma, the team would retain an aggressive left-left dynamic at the top while allowing Sanju Samson to shift to the No 3 position. 

More importantly, it would allow Sanju Samson to slide into his preferred no 3 slot. Notably, Samson boasts a stellar IPL record in this position, having amassed 3,096 runs across 94 innings at an impactful strike rate of 143.33.

Additionally, Sooryavanshi's fearless approach against the new ball could provide India with the explosive starts they seek in the powerplay.

Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma also finds himself in contention to be rested if India decide to hand Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his debut.  

While Varma remains one of India's most technically gifted middle-order batters, his recent performances have lacked the decisive impact expected from a number 4 or 5 anchor.

Since playing a stunning, match-winning 69 in the Asia Cup 2025 final, the Hyderabad southpaw has struggled for consistency. 

Notably, since 2025, his T20 strike rate has hovered at a modest 118.16, with a visible vulnerability against quality spin. 

During the T20 World Cup, he accumulated 209 runs across 9 innings at an average of 29.57; however, these numbers masked a deeper struggle to rotate strike and shift gears. 

Meanwhile, in the middle overs, he has repeatedly failed to adapt to changing match situations or accelerate when the team needs it most. So, the Indian management might rest the Indian vice-captain to make way for Sooryavanshi in the final T20I match against Ireland.

Also Read: IND-W vs BAN-W Head To Head Records- Match 23, T20 World Cup 2026