India will hand 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his T20 debut against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, making him the youngest male to play an international for the side. The left‑hander comes after an IPL season where he amassed 776 runs at a strike‑rate of 237.30 for Rajasthan Royals. His 500‑plus T20 runs carry a 220.48 strike‑rate, the highest for any batter since 2025.

Former greats Rahul Dravid, Michael Vaughan and Justin Langer gathered to explain Sooryavanshi’s allure. Dravid praised his ability to read bowler speed and combine fearlessness with cricketing IQ, noting the youngster’s relentless work ethic. Vaughan highlighted the batter’s uncanny cue‑reading, saying he can predict a delivery before release. Langer marveled at the left‑hander’s loose, ‘hose‑like’ hands that generate effortless power.

With his debut looming, India must keep the teenager in a separate changing room for safeguarding, underscoring the board’s cautious approach. Should he replicate his IPL dominance, the 15‑year‑old could reshape India’s top order and give the side a high‑impact option in the power‑play. The Belfast match will be his first crucial test of international big pressure.