Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Debut? Key Selection Headaches for India vs Ireland T20Is
As India prepare for the T20I series against Ireland, the team management faces tough decisions on batting order and all-rounder selection.
The upcoming T20I series against Ireland presents several selection dilemmas for India's new coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir. With a full-strength squad named, the biggest question is the potential debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. If he plays, who makes way? The opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are in fine form — Samson recently won the T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, while Abhishek has been among the world's best batters. Dropping either seems harsh.
Another key decision is between spin-bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. Seaming conditions in Ireland likely mean only one will feature. Sundar had a better IPL with the bat, while Axar struggled. However, Sundar bowled little in IPL 2026, and Axar was only average. The management must balance batting depth and bowling options in the XI.