Following Team India's stunning loss to Ireland in the first T20I on June 26 in Belfast, former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth questioned spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar's spot in the starting XI.

Sundar had a terrible performance in the first T20I, giving away 19 runs in his only over. As India lost by 34 runs while chasing 183, he also struggled with the bat, falling for a 12-ball 9 runs.

Rather, even if playing leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi would reduce India's batting depth, Srikkanth advised them to do so.

"Washington Sundar is not necessary in the 11, just to have batting at No.8. He also doesn't have any role clarity. He is just throwing it flat now instead of bowling with dip because of the lack of confidence. It's doubtful he will play the next match. Probably, Ravi Bishnoi should replace him. But they also are adamant that they won't go with only seven batters,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Sundar has picked only 4 wickets in 9 T20Is in the last two years and has scored 20 runs at a strike rate of under 85 in three T20Is this year.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi should be in India's starting lineup for T20Is, according to Kris Srikkanth. When asked about who will make way for Sooryavanshi in India's XI, the former opener kept silent.

"Vaibhav Suryavanshi also should be playing, but it's hard to see who he can replace. The whole world was waiting to watch him yesterday on TV and in the stadium. But now that they've selected him, it's a big problem. You have to eventually play him in the 11, but I don't know how.

Even the TV channels want him to play for viewership. Once he wasn't in the 11 yesterday, everyone turned their TV off. Next match, those buying tickets also will confirm if Vaibhav is playing before buying tickets,” he added.

With India preferring Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as openers and Ishan Kishan at the no.3 spot, it remains to be seen where the team management fits Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the XI.