![Suryansh Shedge, Prince Yadav for India [Source: @BCCI/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782650968097_SuryanshShedgeandPrince.jpg?type=hq)
Suryansh Shedge, Prince Yadav for India [Source: @BCCI/X]
India handed T20I debuts to Suryansh Shedge and Prince Yadav in the second T20I against Ireland in Belfast on Sunday, June 28. The match is a must-win contest for India after suffering a 34-run defeat in the opening game of the two-match series.
Captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, saying the overhead conditions could help the bowlers. Along with trying to level the series, India also created a unique record by handing out their first T20I debuts in more than 500 days.
India Create New Record With Suryansh Shedge And Prince Yadav
Suryansh Shedge and Prince Yadav became India's newest T20I players after receiving their maiden caps ahead of the second T20I against Ireland.
With these two debuts, India ended a wait of 513 days since their previous T20I debutants. The last player to make his T20I debut for India was Harshit Rana in January 2025.
The 513-day gap is now the longest between T20I debutants in India's history. It broke the previous record of 451 days between the debuts of Bhuvneshwar Kumar in December 2012 and Mohammed Shami in March 2014.
Iyer Praises The Debutants
At the toss, captain Shreyas Iyer praised Shedge's performances in domestic cricket, India A tours and the IPL.
"Yes, he is a sensational youngster who has been scoring runs in domestic and IPL cricket. He's got tremendous amount of experience in youth cricket. Has performed on A tours as well," Iyer said.
Speaking about Prince Yadav, Iyer said the team wanted the young fast bowler to enjoy the experience without extra pressure.
"Definitely, it is his first game. I don't want to put too much pressure on him. It is important that he comes out here and gain the experience of what is there to offer," he added.
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi India Debut Still Awaited
While two new players made their debuts, young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was once again left out of the playing XI.
The 15-year-old was widely expected to earn his maiden India cap after an outstanding IPL 2026 season, where he won the Orange Cap. He also impressed recently with a stunning 94 off just 29 balls for India A against Sri Lanka A.
However, the team management decided to continue with other players, delaying his international debut for at least one more match.
His omission led to disappointment among many fans on social media, with several questioning why the youngster is yet to get an opportunity despite travelling with the squad.
For now, it appears Sooryavanshi may have to wait until India's upcoming white-ball tour of England for his first international appearance.
A Must-Win T20I Game For India Ahead Of England Games
India entered the second T20I under pressure after losing the opening match against the hosts. Ireland had posted 182/9 before bowling India out for 148 in 18.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead.
With only two matches in the series, Sunday's contest became a must-win game for Shreyas Iyer's side to avoid a series defeat before the England tour.
The move also allowed India to test new players before the upcoming white-ball series against England, where the competition for places in the squad is expected to become even stronger.
As things stand now, the England tour could be a painful event if India continues their Ireland series form in July.
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