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India's shocking T20I series loss to Ireland has started an intense debate over Gautam Gambhir's team selection. After the Men in Blue struggled badly and lost both matches, everyone is just questioning why the teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was not given a single chance.
Now, Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh has joined the debate on social media. Soon after India's 0-2 series defeat against Ireland, the actor questioned Sooryavanshi’s snub for both games in Belfast. But India coach backs Sanju Samson over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite struggles.
Sanju Samson-Abhishek Sharma pair failed to fire in Ireland
India went with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as their openers into both T20I matches against Ireland. Both Samson and Abhishek were dismissed for ducks in the second match. However, Abhishek hit fifty in the series opener, but Samson was dismissed cheaply.
Apart from them, the rest of the batting unit didn’t click either; as a result, India couldn’t avoid an embarrassing T20I series defeat. Ireland played fearless cricket in both games and completed a historic clean sweep over the T20 World Cup champions.
After the 0-2 series loss to Ireland, Iceland Cricket mocks Gautam Gambhir after Ireland T20I loss.
Riteish Deshmukh demands Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut after Ireland series loss
After the series loss, many fans questioned why one of India's most exciting young batters Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left sitting in the dugout despite being in outstanding form. Riteish Deshmukh also posted on social media and questioned the Indian team management’s call.
The Bollywood actor urged the team management to stop making Vaibhav wait and give him his T20I debut. He posted, X: “Make Vaibhav Suryavanshi play already! What are we waiting for?????”
Make Vaibhav Suryavanshi play already!!!!
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) June 28, 2026
What are we waiting for ?????
The 15-year-old has done almost everything a young batter could do to knock on the selectors' door. During IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played fearless cricket and finished the season with the Orange Cap. He amassed 776 runs in 16 innings at a stunning strike rate of 237.31.
Even during the one-day tri-series final against Sri Lanka A, the left-handed batter once again showed why everyone is talking about him by smashing 94 runs from only 29 balls to help India. He won the final against Sri Lanka A. Yet, India decided not to include him in the playing XI against Ireland.
Ryan ten Doeschate explains why Gautam Gambhir can't drop Sanju Samson for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
After the second and final T20I against Ireland, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained the reason behind that decision. He said that the coaching staff has complete faith in Vaibhav's talent and believes he is ready for international cricket, but they cannot drop Sanju Samson.
Ryan ten Doeschate stated, “He’s absolutely ready to play international cricket; there’s no doubt about that. But also, I think it’s not a question to say you can leave Sanju Samson out. A guy who went a long way to winning India the World Cup three months ago. A guy who’s had a fairly good IPL.”
He added, “It’s important in terms of giving players confidence and the message we’re sending to players. We want to give guys a long run on the team. So, as ready as Vaibhav is and as excited as we are and you are to see him play, he’s going to have to go through the same process as everyone else and bide his time and wait. But certainly, no questions about how good he is and how ready he is.”
