India have included teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in their T20I squad for upcoming series against Ireland and England, while Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain. The decision is significant because the 15-year-old is on the verge of becoming the youngest player to represent India’s senior men’s team. The squad changes also mark a leadership shift following the removal of Suryakumar Yadav as captain.
The announcement follows a remarkable Indian Premier League campaign by Sooryavanshi, who scored 776 runs in 16 matches for Rajasthan Royals. He finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and broke the record for most sixes in a single IPL season. His performances earned him both the Most Valuable Player and Best Emerging Player awards, making him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country.
Read more: India considers T20 captaincy change after World Cup win
If selected in the playing eleven against Ireland or England, Sooryavanshi would surpass Sachin Tendulkar as the youngest player to debut for India’s men’s senior team. Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar praised the teenager’s impact, describing him as a game-changer who almost carried Rajasthan Royals into the IPL playoffs. He said the youngster had earned his place through consistent performances under pressure.
Meanwhile, Iyer returns to India’s T20 setup as captain after last playing a T20 international in 2023. Agarkar said the batter was the standout candidate for leadership after guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and demonstrating strong leadership across franchise cricket. The decision ends Suryakumar Yadav’s brief captaincy stint despite leading India to T20 World Cup success earlier this year.
Read more: Shreyas Iyer named India’s new T20 captain
India will play two T20 internationals against Ireland later this month before taking on England in a five-match series in July. The Board of Control for Cricket in India also named its squad for the Asian Games, with veteran fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah included in the roster. The Asian Games men’s cricket competition is scheduled to begin on September 24, with the final set for October 3.