The opening match of the five-game T20 series between India and England was washed out by rain, and the series now shifts to Old Trafford in Manchester for the second T20. Ahead of that match, a fresh Instagram story from 15-year-old Team India batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has set off speculation about his long-awaited international debut. In the series opener, all eyes were on whether Sooryavanshi would get his first taste of international cricket, but the team management chose not to include him in the playing eleven.
A celebratory photo captioned "New Chapter"
Ever since his selection in the India squad, fans have been eagerly waiting for Sooryavanshi's international debut. There was similar anticipation during the two-match T20 series against Ireland, but the team management kept him out of the XI on that occasion as well. Now, a day before the second T20 against England at Old Trafford, Sooryavanshi posted an Instagram story featuring a celebratory photo of himself, captioned simply "New Chapter." The post has fuelled fresh speculation among fans that his debut could finally be around the corner. If he does get the nod, attention will be firmly on his batting, given how strong his form has been through the year.
Sanju Samson's spot under pressure
Sooryavanshi is being tipped to replace Sanju Samson at the top of the order for the second T20 against England, with Samson's bat going largely silent through the three T20s played so far on India's UK tour. He was dismissed for a golden duck in one of those matches and failed to reach double figures in the other two. Given this dip in form, there is growing belief that the team management could turn to Sooryavanshi as an alternative. England, meanwhile, have already named their playing eleven for the second T20, with fast bowler Jofra Archer returning to the side.
Should Sooryavanshi get the nod, it would mark his first appearance on the international stage, and fans will be watching closely to see if the young batter can carry his domestic form onto the bigger stage. For Samson, the match is being seen as a crucial one to hold on to his place in the side.
