With every passing match, every failed opening stand and every team sheet that leaves out Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the clamour for India’s teenage batting sensation grows louder. At just 15, the IPL Orange Cap winner has already announced himself as one of the country’s brightest talents, yet his international debut remains elusive, forcing him to watch from the sidelines while the debate outside the dressing room gathers momentum.

India’s shocking 0-2 T20I series defeat to Ireland — their first-ever bilateral series loss to the hosts — has only intensified the scrutiny. As openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma struggled to provide the explosive starts expected of them, many wondered whether the slow, spongy pitches and short boundaries in Ireland had presented the perfect opportunity to unleash the fearless youngster.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri certainly thinks so. “He should have played against Ireland). It was such a slow and spongy track. He would have smacked them on the terrace, it was such a small ground. He would have taken their pants off. He should have definitely played there,” Shastri said.

The former coach questioned why India’s most exciting batting prospect continues to warm the bench despite proving himself against the world’s best bowlers in the IPL. “He has smashed everyone in the IPL. Which fast bowler did he spare? And you’re making him warm the bench. He is the X-factor, does not have any baggage. He is just 15, has the exuberance of youth. He has no fear, and if he gets going in the first two or three overs, he will give you the kind of start that the middle order can capitalise on. You will have to make space for him,” he added.

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Shastri’s criticism reflects a growing sentiment among several former cricketers, who believe India are overlooking a rare match-winner at a time when the top order is crying out for fresh energy. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar, while adopting a more measured view, admitted that every match Sooryavanshi spends waiting only increases the expectations surrounding his eventual debut. Yet, Gavaskar believes the teenager’s fearless mindset could help him embrace the spotlight rather than fear it.

Inside the Indian camp, however, patience remains the guiding principle. Captain Shreyas Iyer and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak have defended the decision to persist with Samson and Abhishek, arguing that both earned their places through consistent performances, including key contributions to India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph.

The management believes abandoning proven performers after a brief lean patch would undermine the trust that successful teams are built upon. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has echoed that view, insisting that public excitement cannot dictate selection.

For now, Indian cricket finds itself divided between emotion and process. One side sees a fearless teenager ready to change games; the other sees a prodigy whose moment will come in its own time. Until that call arrives, Sooryavanshi’s long wait will remain one of the biggest talking points surrounding this Indian team.

By Joe Williams