Former India cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal backed the team management's decision to leave out 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the fifth T20I against England. Madan Lal said that the youngster must learn from setbacks and understand the demands of international cricket.
England defeated India by 56 runs in the fifth and final T20I at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, July 11. The home team also completed a series victory with a 4-0 margin. Sanju Samson replaced Sooryavanshi in the playing XI and scored a quick 27 off 14 balls, but India finished on 201/8 while chasing 258.
"Let Him Learn the Hard Way"- Madan Lal Backs Decision to Drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Madan Lal supported the team management's decision to drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the fifth T20I. In a post on X, he said the 15-year-old must learn the value of opportunities at the international level and that the decision would help him grow as a cricketer.
"I think team management done the right thing to dropped him. If you don't value your chances. Let him learn hard way if you want to see him playing for the country."
I think team management done the right thing to dropped him. If you don’t value your chances. Let him learn hard way if you want to see him playing for the country
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) July 11, 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned his India call-up after a sensational IPL 2026 season, where he scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30. However, he struggled against England's short-ball tactics. He also played brilliantly in the List A Tri-Series final, scoring 94 runs off 29 deliveries and changed the course of the match.
The decision to drop Sooryavanshi and bring back Samson sparked strong reactions from fans on the social media platform X.
Graeme Swann Questions India's Decision to Bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Former England spinner Graeme Swann said that India should have shown more patience with a player of Sooryavanshi's potential. He pointed out that the teenager scored more runs than Sanju Samson had managed in his previous three innings and deserved another chance.
Sooryavanshi finished his debut T20I series with 42 runs in three innings at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of 168. He scored 14 off 10 balls on debut, followed by 13 off five and 15 off nine in his next two innings.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Retains Zimbabwe Spot Despite England Setback
Swann also warned that dropping a 15-year-old so early could affect his confidence and development. He felt Sooryavanshi became the victim of India's overall batting struggles rather than his own performances.
Despite missing the fifth T20I, Sooryavanshi has retained his place in India's squad for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting on July 23. Sanju Samson, meanwhile, has not been included in the touring squad. Vaibhav will be seen opening the innings once again with Abhishek Sharma in the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, and hopefully he gets a longer run.
