India lost the first T20I to Ireland by 34 runs in Belfast.
Former India cricketer R Ashwin has given his thoughts on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being benched for the first T20I between India and Ireland in Belfast on June 26. India suffered their first loss to Ireland in international cricket, losing the game by 34 runs and going 0-1 down in the two-match series.
There was a lot of anticipation ahead of the game for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and his potential India debut in international cricket. However, the India team management stuck with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who had opened the innings in India’s winning T20 World Cup 2026 run.
The decision was supported by former India spinner Ravi Ashwin, who advised supporters to wait for the young player's growth rather than rushing him into the starting lineup. Before entering the global arena, he said, it is extremely beneficial to study from the sidelines. Ashwin explained why he believed Sooryavanshi should keep waiting.
"Please, everyone, think about the game with some wisdom. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened together, and Sanju batted very well in the World Cup. If you bench one of them to play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, what is the point of calling the match a team game?
I know we all want to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play. We are all fans, and he is a wonderful entertainer. But not at any cost. There is value in sitting outside and watching the game, too. Let him serve the team, help out, or even bring water. There is a lot to learn from that experience. A great player doesn't become one overnight. Once Vaibhav starts playing, he might never be dropped; it could happen, just as it did with Sachin Tendulkar. But if he spends some time outside the playing XI first, he will gain empathy and a deeper understanding of the team environment. He has a long and illustrious career ahead of him. Sitting outside is also a role," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.