Why Vaibav Sooryavanshi Is Not Playing Today's IND vs IRE 1st T20I?

Gautam Gambhir Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sanju Samson. Image Credits: AFPOn Friday, June 26, India locked horns against Ireland for 1st of two match T20I series in Belfast. It is a full house as fans turned up in thousands to see 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi make his India debut and shatter Sachin Tendulkar's 37-year-old record.However, much to everyone's disappointment, the 15-year-old will have to wait a bit longer to get his India cap. Sadly, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI for the ongoing 1st T20I and the fans are confused by this decision. The fans quickly rushed to social media to seek reason behind Sooryavanshi's exclusion. Therefore, this article will shed light on the reason why the 15-year-old is not playing in the 1st T20I vs Ireland.Shreyas Iyer Reveals Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Is Not Playing vs Ireland?At the toss, Shreyas Iyer revealed that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's exclusion is a tactical one. The newly appointed India captain revealed that Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have done well for India and they were the one who set platform during 2026 T20 World Cup final.Therefore, it only felt right for the management to go ahead with their trusted duo. Iyer concluded by stating that the 15-year-old will get his opportunity when the time is right.[Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing?] Unfortunately, no. 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.Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar Becomes The 1st Ever Indian Cricketer To Get This HonourInternet Slams India Management For Benching Vaibhav SooryavanshiThe fans were fuming when they got to know that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not playing today's match. They took to social media to slam the India management. Here are some of the reactions.Pankaj B. @pankajpbardia @Akshatgoel1408 I m not watching today's match because Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not playing Michael Vaughan @MichaelVaughan Can’t believe India haven’t picked Vaibhav Sooryavanshi .. the best T20 player at the moment in the World .. #India Sagar @sagarcasm When India is bowling first and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not playing against Ireland Jun 26, 2026, 5:55 PM When Can Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make His India Debut?Going by Shreyas Iyer's comments, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut depends on the result today. Gautam Gambhir is one such coach who doesn't go by hype and believes in what is right for the team.Therefore, only India's win in the 1st T20I will help Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Notably, a win means that the Men in Blue cannot lose the series since it is a two-match series.However, if the Men in Blue lose the 1st T20I, then the 15-year-old might have to wait for the England series, which features 5 T20Is to make his international debut.India's Playing XI For 1st T20I vs Ireland?As mentioned during the toss, Sanju Samson and Abhishe Sharma are opening the innings. Rest, Shreyas Iyer mentioned that they have gone ahead with 1 all-rounder, two seamers and two spin-bowling options.India Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh KrishnaAlso Read: Indian Fans Lash Out At Gautam Gambhir As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Debut Cancelled vs Ireland