Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has questioned the team’s choice to leave teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI despite naming him in the squads for the Ireland and England T20 series. The 15-year-old, who impressed in the IPL, has yet to make his international debut after sitting out all matches in Ireland and the first T20I against England. During the live broadcast of the India-England match, Shastri said the player should have featured in Ireland on the slow, low-bouncing surface that suited his style. He noted the batter had already shown his ability against quality bowlers and should not wait longer. Shastri described him as an X-factor with no fear or baggage, arguing his fearless approach at the top could provide a strong start and help the middle order. The youngster was again omitted from the first T20I, which was washed out by rain. It is unclear if he will receive his debut in the remaining games.
