Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has called on team management to consider giving teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi his international debut in the ongoing T20I series against England. The 15-year-old, who recently dominated the IPL 2026 with 776 runs in 16 matches as Player of the Tournament, remains on the bench despite maintaining strong form in international cricket.
On his YouTube channel, Badrinath argued that Suryavanshi’s current confidence and outstanding performance make him a better fit for the playing XI, even if it means temporarily replacing established players like Sanju Samson. He emphasized that timing is critical in cricket and that Suryavanshi should be capitalized on while he is in peak form.
Subramaniam Badrinath backs Vaibhav Suryavanshi to replace Sanju Samson
Badrinath highlighted Suryavanshi’s fearless strokeplay and noted that Samson has been inconsistent in recent T20Is, particularly after the T20 World Cup. While not advocating for Samson’s permanent removal, he suggested that the selectors should seriously consider giving Suryavanshi an opportunity to showcase his abilities.
“Timing is very important for a player in form. He should be given a chance when he’s in the form of his life. There is no use playing him when he’s not in form. Confidence is everything in sports and he is high on confidence right now. So he must play. Also, let’s not forget, Sanju Samson has been continuously failing since the T20 World Cup. He hasn’t done anything great since the World Cup. Though I don’t advocate dropping Samson, it’s something to think about when an in-form Suryavanshi is sitting out,” Badrinath stated.
Badrinath further strengthened his case by pointing to India’s recent batting struggles in the T20I series against Ireland, where the team endured a 2-0 whitewash after posting low totals of 148 and 153. He argued that the lack of attacking intent during those matches underscores the need for an aggressive opener like Suryavanshi.
“There was a lack of intent with the bat in the two losses against Ireland. That makes it all the more a reason for Team India to play Vaibhav Suryavanshi,” Badrinath remarked.
The opening T20I against England ended in a rain-affected draw with India posting 189. With the second match scheduled for July 4 in Manchester, the focus will be on whether Suryavanshi finally gets his international debut opportunity.