BCCI Celebrates Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Historic Debut as Youngest Cricketer

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made headlines by becoming the youngest international cricketer for India at just 15 years and 99 days. BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla praised his debut, emphasizing the merit-based selection process amidst social media criticism. In the second T20I against England, India set a target of 190 runs, but England's strong batting led them to victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. This article explores Sooryavanshi's remarkable achievement and the thrilling match details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 5, 2026, 17:30 IST

BCCI Supports Youngest Debutant Sooryavanshi

On Sunday, Rajiv Shukla, the vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), extended his congratulations to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for becoming the youngest international cricketer from India. Shukla emphasized that the BCCI selects players based on their performance, countering social media claims that Sooryavanshi was being unjustly ignored. He expressed his belief that the young talent would seize his opportunity at the right moment and assured that he would excel in his future endeavors.

At just 15 years and 99 days old, Sooryavanshi made history as the youngest player to represent India across all formats and the youngest debutant from a Test-playing nation in T20I history, making his debut in the second T20I against England in Manchester on Saturday.

"I want to congratulate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on his debut and for this opportunity. The BCCI ensures fairness; those who earn it receive their chance. There was considerable noise on social media about missed opportunities, with criticism directed at both the coach and captain. However, that was not the reality. I mentioned recently that he would get his chance when the time was right, and that moment arrived yesterday. I am confident he will perform well and truly establish himself. This decision by the team management deserves appreciation," Shukla stated.

Sooryavanshi kicked off his international career with an exciting performance, scoring 14 runs off 10 balls, including two sixes, before being stumped by Will Jacks. He also surpassed the previous records held by Sachin Tendulkar (Test debut at 16 years 205 days; ODI at 16 years 238 days) and Piyush Chawla (Test debut at 17 years 75 days).

England Takes Lead in Thrilling Match

In the second T20 match, India chose to bat first. Abhishek Sharma contributed significantly with 43 runs off 24 balls, hitting eight fours and a six, while Shreyas Iyer added 37 runs from 22 balls, including three fours and a six. Ishan Kishan also played a vital role, scoring 49 runs off 40 balls, forming a 65-run partnership with Iyer for the third wicket. However, India faced a collapse, going from 130/2 to 165/6. Tilak Varma's quick 24 runs off 11 balls helped India reach a total of 190/7 in their 20 overs, with Sam Curran being the standout bowler for England, taking 3 wickets for 33 runs.

During England's chase, they lost both openers, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, without scoring, marking a first in T20I history. Nevertheless, a strong recovery was led by captain Harry Brook, who scored 39 runs off just 15 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes, forming a fifty-run partnership with Jacob Bethell.

Bethell then partnered with Tom Banton, contributing to a 67-run stand for the fourth wicket. Despite losing Banton and Will Jacks, England managed to reach 133/5 in 15.2 overs. Bethell, who finished with an impressive 76 runs off 46 balls, propelled England to victory, concluding the chase in 19 overs alongside Jofra Archer, who scored 10 runs. With this win, England leads the five-match series 1-0, leaving India with three matches to respond after the first T20I was washed out.