Former India coach delivers unvarnished take as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's landmark debut is delayed: 'He would've taken their pants off'

Former India coach Ravi Shastri expressed his thoughts on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's highly anticipated debut being deferred. The cricketing veteran believes the 15-year-old should've made his debut in Ireland and wants the team management to implement him as soon as possible.

Vaibhav was named as part of India's squad for the Ireland and England series. However, the flamboyant opener is yet to make his debut, with critics questioning why the team management had him warm the bench throughout the Ireland series and the England T20 series opener on Wednesday.

Shastri wants Vaibhav in India squad

Speaking during the India-England live broadcast in Chester-Le-Street, Shastri criticised the decision to bench Vaibhav, arguing that the slow, spongy pitch in Ireland would've suited his power-hitting. He further emphasised that the 15-year-old has already proved himself in the IPL against top fast bowlers and keeping him on the bench is unnecessary.

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"He should've played in Ireland. That is such a slow and spongy track; he would've hit it on the roof as it was a small ground. He would have taken their pants off.

"He had to play there. I don't know if he will play here. I am not sure whether they will play him, but get him as soon as you can. He has beaten everyone in IPL. Which fast bowler has he left? You are making him sit on the bench to warm him up," Shastri said.

'Have to find a place for him, sooner the better'

Shastri emphasised that Vaibhav carries no baggage, plays with fearless intent, and embodies the exuberance of youth. He noted that even a couple of overs from the youngster at the start could inject explosive momentum into the innings, giving the middle order the perfect platform to capitalise.

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"They should play him because he is an X-factor. He has no baggage. He is 15 years old and is an exuberance of youth. He has no fear. If he plays 2-3 overs in the beginning, he gives such a start that the middle order can capitalise. So, we have to find a place for him, the sooner the better," the former India coach added.

Vaibhav missed out on making his debut in the series opener against England, which was abandoned due to relentless rain. Whether the team management will include him in the playing XI for the upcoming matches remains uncertain.