![AB de Villiers, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782883356244_ABD (1).jpg)
AB de Villiers, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]
South Africa legend AB de Villiers has questioned Gautam Gambhir's decision not to give young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a chance during the recently concluded T20I series against Ireland.
The 15-year-old created history after being named in India's squads for the tours of Ireland and England, along with the Asian Games. Sooryavanshi, who hails from Samastipur in Bihar, earned his place in the national team following a sensational IPL 2026 season.
The young batter scored 776 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 237.31, making him one of the biggest talking points of the tournament.
No Debut for Vaibhav Despite India's loss to Ireland in 1st T20I
Therefore, there was a lot of excitement among fans to see him make his India debut. However, despite being part of the Indian squad, he did not get the chance to feature in the playing XI in either of the two T20Is against Ireland.
India's decision became a major talking point as the team failed to perform in both matches. In the first T20I, India could not chase a target of 183 and suffered a 34-run defeat.
After that disappointing loss, many expected the team management to hand Sooryavanshi his debut in the second and final match.
However, that did not happen either. India once again struggled with the bat as the top order failed to deliver in difficult conditions. Chasing 155, India fell short by just one run after Ireland posted 154/8 in their 20 overs.
AB de Villiers Shares His Opinion On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers questioned head coach Gautam Gambhir's decision to deny Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his India debut.
According to the former South Africa captain, the Ireland T20I series was the perfect opportunity to hand the teenage sensation his first international cap and help him gain valuable experience at the highest level.
"I thought it was the perfect opportunity to give Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his India debut after the IPL he had. A series against Ireland would have been ideal to help him gain international experience, but unfortunately, that opportunity never came," AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, the discussion has now shifted to India's tour of England. Hoping to move on from the disappointing Ireland series, the Indian team arrived in Newcastle on Monday before holding its only training session at Durham's Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street ahead of the five-match T20I series.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Drags BCCI And IPL Into India's Series Defeat Vs Ireland
Shreyas Iyer Keeps Team Combination Under Wraps
However, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer did not provide any clarity on whether Sooryavanshi would finally make his debut. Speaking to the media on the eve of the first T20I, Iyer kept India's plans secret.
"Our hands are tied. This is very private. We can't let everyone know what combination we are are going to play because the opponents would also find out. He's a brilliant prodigy and whenever he gets an opportunity to play, he will perform brilliantly," Iyer said.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Impresses In Training
Meanwhile, CREX's sources revealed exclusively that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a strong impression during India's training session ahead of the England series.
The young batter looked confident in the nets as he trained alongside Sanju Samson and comfortably handled the pace of Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna.
Notably, India will kick off the five-match T20I series against England at the Riverside Ground in Durham on Wednesday.
After a disappointing tour of Ireland, the visitors will be aiming for a strong comeback.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Responds To Political Pressure For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Debut
