Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has expressed strong disappointment over the delayed debut of young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been warming the bench since being named in the squad for the ongoing T20I series against England. Chopra's comments came ahead of the second T20I scheduled for July 5, 2026, in Birmingham.
Chopra Slams Team Management for Lack of Clarity
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "It is baffling to see a talent like Sooryavanshi not getting a single game despite being in the squad for three matches. The team management needs to be transparent about their plans. If he is not in the playing XI, why keep him on the bench?" Chopra added that such treatment could affect the confidence of young players.
Sooryavanshi, a 22-year-old left-handed batsman from Mumbai, has been in sensational form in domestic cricket, scoring 1,200 runs in the last Ranji Trophy season at an average of 75. He was also the highest run-scorer in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 480 runs at a strike rate of 145.
India's Selection Dilemma
India has already won the first two T20Is, with a dominant performance in the series opener by 8 wickets and a 6-wicket win in the second match. The team management, led by head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, has preferred an unchanged top order, leaving no room for Sooryavanshi. However, with the series already in the bag, fans and experts are expecting the youngster to be given a chance in the remaining matches.
"It is the perfect opportunity to test bench strength," Chopra said. "If not now, then when? We have a World Cup coming up, and we need to see what Sooryavanshi can offer at the international level."
Sooryavanshi's Domestic Dominance
Sooryavanshi's domestic numbers are impressive. In addition to his Ranji Trophy exploits, he scored 340 runs in the 2026 Deodhar Trophy at an average of 85, including two centuries. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs has drawn comparisons with Suryakumar Yadav. However, the management's reluctance to give him a debut has raised eyebrows.
What Lies Ahead?
The third T20I is scheduled for July 7 in Nottingham, and with India already 2-0 up, there is a strong case for resting senior players and giving opportunities to fringe players like Sooryavanshi. Chopra concluded, "I hope the team management sees sense and gives him a game. Otherwise, it's a wasted opportunity."
