Mumbai: Backing teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who makes his debut in the Indian team in the first T20I against England in Durham on Wednesday, great batsman Sunil Gavaskar said the 15-year-old can provide the much-needed spark after India’s 0-2 series defeat to Ireland.India’s batsmen, led by new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, have struggled throughout the Ireland series, prompting calls for changes ahead of the five-match series against England. Gavaskar believes Suryavanshi’s unpredictability could work in India’s favour.“I hope Soriyavanshi plays the first game as it will be the start of a new series and he has got the team off to a good start. This is the best way to recover from the series loss against Ireland,” Gavaskar said.He admits that incorporating Suryavanshi into the starting XI will be a challenge given the performances of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, but feels England’s lack of familiarity with the youngster could be a deciding factor.“So, if he keeps going, he can take away the game and I think what India need at this particular point in time after losing this game is someone who can make an immediate impact. So, the hosts, England, were immediately in trouble,” Gavaskar added.
Sunil Gavaskar backs Iyer, says patience is needed
Despite Shreyas Iyer’s poor start as India’s T20I captain, Gavaskar urged patience, noting that adapting to leadership at the international level will take time.“I think with any new relationship it always takes a little bit of time to get to know the support staff and the playing staff to understand what’s expected of them,” he said.“Shreyas Iyer’s leadership has been proven in T20 events over the years. We saw him win trophies, win championships, lead the team to the knockout rounds and lead the team to the finals. “Gavaskar also feels that the Indian batsmen need to adapt to the conditions better after struggling on the batsman-friendly pitches in Belfast.“In any format of the game, in any sport really, I think you have to adapt to the situation,” he said, adding that batting selection and decision-making let India down in Ireland.Gavaskar also backed Rohit Sharma in quelling doubts over his future in the upcoming ODI series against England.“So, I think England is a very good platform for him to prove that even a year and a half later, he will be there opening the batting for India,” he said.For England pacer Jofra Archer, Gavaskar said his impact often depends on his mentality on the day.“He’s a top bowler, you know, if he’s, if I may say, if I may use that word, if he’s in the mood, he can cause trouble for anybody,” he said.Gavaskar added that Ben Stokes’ retirement did not entirely surprise him, although he had expected the England all-rounder to retire at the end of the home season rather than immediately.(Watch India Tour 2026 England vs India, 1st T20I on 1 July 2026 at 10:00 PM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada), Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony MAX).
