NEW DELHI: Ever since 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was picked in India’s T20I squad, one question has dominated discussions among fans and pundits: When will the boy from Samastipur, Bihar, make his India debut?The excitement started after Sooryavanshi’s sensational IPL season. He scored 776 runs at an incredible strike rate of 237.30, almost single-handedly taking Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs. His performances earned him a place in the Indian squads for the T20I series against Ireland and England as well as the Asian Games.But despite all the talk, the left-handed batsman is still waiting for his first international game.
Calls for his debut are getting louder
Sooryavanshi did not get a game during India’s two-match T20I series against Ireland.Ahead of both matches, fans and former cricketers debated whether India should give the teenager a chance. Those debates only got louder after India suffered a shock 2-0 series defeat, with the top order struggling in both games.Demands for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion continued in the England series.However, when India played the first T20I against England at Chester-le-Street, the youngster was again benched.All eyes are now on the second T20I at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Why Old Trafford could be the perfect venue
There is another reason why Manchester would be a special place for Sooryavanshi’s debut.If he plays in the second T20I – or at any point during the England series – he will become the youngest Indian to make an international debut, breaking a long-held record Sachin Tendulkar.Tendulkar made his debut for India against Pakistan in Karachi in November 1989 at the age of 16 years and 205 days.Old Trafford holds a special place in the history of Indian cricket as it is where Tendulkar made his name on the world stage.Less than a year after making his international debut, the batting legend scored his maiden international century in Manchester against England in 1990.Tendulkar scored 68 in the first innings before producing a memorable 119 in the second innings to save the Test for India. His outstanding effort earned him the man of the match award. If Sooryavanshi gets his debut cap at Old Trafford, it would be more than just another pick.The same ground where Tendulkar scored his first international hundred could also become the place where another teenage batting sensation begins his international journey.If the team management are looking for the perfect stage to showcase one of India’s brightest young talents, Old Trafford offers a fitting stage for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi’s big moment.
