New Delhi: Ever since 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named in the India T20I squad, one question has been dominating the discussion among fans and pundits: When will the boy from Samastipur in Bihar make his debut for India?After Sooryavanshi’s exciting IPL season ends, the excitement begins. He scored 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30 and almost single-handedly took Rajasthan Royals into the playoffs. His performances earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the T20I series against Ireland and England as well as the Asian Games.But despite all the buzz, the left-handed batsman is still waiting for his first international appearance.
The call for the debut is getting louder and louder
Sooryavanshi did not get a single match in India’s two-match T20I series against Ireland.Ahead of the two games, fans and former cricketers were debating whether India should give the teenager a chance. These discussions have intensified after India’s 0-2 drubbing of the series, which left the top teams in both games in dire straits.The demand for Soriyavanshi to join the England series continues.However, the youngster was once again on the bench when India took on England in their first T20I at Chester-le-Street.All eyes now turn to the second T20I at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Why Old Trafford is the perfect place
There was another reason why Manchester was a special venue for Sooryavanshi to make her debut.If he plays in the second T20I – or at any point in the series in England – he will become the youngest Indian to make an international debut, breaking a 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 announced himself on the world stage.Less than a year after making his international debut, the batting legend scored his first international hundred against England in Manchester in 1990.Tendulkar scored 68 in the first innings and then a memorable 119 in the second to preserve India’s Test win. His outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award. If Soriyanshi makes his debut at Old Trafford, it will be more than just another option.The same ground where Tendulkar scored his first international hundred could also be the ground where another teenage batting star begins his international journey.If the team management is looking for the perfect stage to bring in one of India’s brightest young talents, then Old Trafford will provide a fitting stage for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi’s big moment.
