England and India are clashing in the second T20i of the five-match series at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 4, 2026. The first T20I between the two sides was abandoned due to rain in Chester-Le-Street after India batted first and posted 189/7.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer won the toss in the second T20I, and the moment everyone was waiting for happened. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was included in the India XI and made his India T20I debut at the age of 15 years and 99 days, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s 36-year-old record for the youngest Indian to debut in international cricket.

The person who made way for Sooryavanshi was Sanju Samson. Samson had scored 6 runs in his last three T20I innings and was dropped to make way for the teenage phenom.

Broadcast footage showed head coach Gautam Gambhir conversing with Sanju Samson on the outfield shortly after India announced Sooryavanshi's senior international debut for the second T20I against England in Manchester.

There is no need to guess what was said because the discussion was not recorded on audio. But as Gambhir explained something to Samson, who listened carefully, the conversation became very passionate.

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Throughout India's T20 World Cup campaign, Samson was one of the batters that Gambhir openly supported. The team management also continued to defend Samson's name despite the growing controversy surrounding Sooryavanshi.

Gambhir referred to Samson as a "world-class player" and stated that the innings was about "backing him" following his game-winning 97 not out against the West Indies in the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Additionally, he had discussed Samson's skill, command, and conviction that the club was always aware of his potential.

Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi perished for 14 runs in his debut T20I after hitting two sixes. Abhishek Sharma (43), Ishan Kishan (49), Shreyas Iyer (37), and Tilak Varma (24*) powered India to 190/7 in 20 overs. Sam Curran starred with the ball for England, taking 3/33 in his 4 overs.