Who Has Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Replaced In India’s XI vs ENG To Make His International Debut?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Debut - (Source: AFP)

On Saturday, July 4, India and England locked horns against each other for the 2nd T20I at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. The fans have finally got their prayers answered as the 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making his India debut tonight.

The Rajasthan Royals opener had to wait for a good three matches (2 vs Ireland and 1st T20i vs England) to get into the playing XI. Now, since the youngster is in the team, fans are curious which star has actually bowed out of the playing XI. Therefore, this article will shed light on whom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has replaced in India’s playing XI vs England.

Sanju Samson Dropped By Gautam Gambhir

Interestingly, the management has dropped Sanju Samson from the playing XI to make way for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. For the unversed, Samson has been struggling in this UK tour, which is why the youngster is making his debut.

Talking about the CSK star, he has amassed just 6 runs in three matches, averaging just 2, which is why the Shreyas Iyer-led side were forced to make changes to their playing XI.

Also Read: England Bowlers Who Can Trouble Virat Kohli In IND Vs ENG ODI Series

There were chatters that Sanju Samson might face the axe and the predictions were on-point.

Shreyas Iyer Makes A U-Turn On His Earlier Stance

It is worth noting that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was expected to play his first match for India in Ireland, but the management decided to back the proven players. Sanju Samson was India's star during T20 World Cup 2026, where he won the player of the tournament award.

Shreyas Iyer too promised to back the proven stars but has taken a U-turn on his earlier stance.

"We have got tremendous players. We are backing majority of our players who have done marvellous job. Yes, he will get a chance. But right now, we are going with two genuine seamers, one all-rounder and two spinners," Shreyas Iyer revealed.

However, after just three failures, Sanju Samson has been shown the door and now it depends whether the CSK opener will return to the playing XI in the remainder of the series or not.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Scripts History For India vs England

Notably, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrote history books against England as he broke Sachin Tendulkar's record to become the youngest player in India history.

Overall, Sooryavanshi is the second-youngest player to make their debut.