Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has questioned Team India’s cautious approach towards teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the 15-year-old should already have been given an opportunity to showcase his talent at the international level.
Sooryavanshi, one of India’s brightest young prospects, was included in the squads for the tours of Ireland and England after an outstanding domestic and IPL season. However, despite the hype surrounding his selection, the youngster is yet to make his international debut. He was overlooked in both T20Is against Ireland and also remained on the bench for the opening match against England, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson continuing as India’s opening pair.
The decision has drawn criticism from de Villiers, who believes India missed the ideal opportunity to blood the youngster during the Ireland series.
“When will he be unleashed?” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel. “I thought the Ireland series was the perfect opportunity for him to come in and get a feel for international cricket. It was unfortunate that he never got an opportunity.”
The former Proteas captain also disagreed with India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate’s explanation that Sooryavanshi needs to follow the same process as every other player. Following the Ireland series, ten Doeschate had defended the team’s selection policy, stating that the management wanted to remain fair to Sanju Samson, who played an important role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year.
De Villiers, however, felt Sooryavanshi had already done enough to justify an early debut.
“I beg to differ with Ryan ten Doeschate. After the IPL he had, it was time to throw him into the deep end, especially against a lower-ranked team like Ireland,” he said.
The teenager’s credentials have been difficult to ignore. He amassed a staggering 776 runs for the Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2026 season before following it up by smashing the fastest List A fifty, strengthening his reputation as one of India’s most exciting batting talents.
Apart from commenting on Sooryavanshi’s absence, de Villiers also reflected on India’s recent performances. Following the 2-0 series defeat to Ireland under new captain Shreyas Iyer, he said the team needed to adapt better to English conditions.
“There is some work to do for Team India,” de Villiers said. “Cricket in the UK is more strategic and tactical. You don’t always get 250 or 260. Sometimes 140 or 160 is enough.”
With Sanju Samson struggling for runs and the opening T20I against England washed out, attention will now turn to whether India finally hands Sooryavanshi the opportunity many believe he has already earned.
Source: Hindustan Times
