Ireland pulled off a stunning upset against India, winning their first T20I series against the World Champions with a dramatic one-run victory in Belfast. The loss has intensified calls for teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to finally earn his international cap, particularly for the upcoming five-match T20 series against England.

Born in 2011, Sooryavanshi made history as the IPL's youngest-ever auction purchase at age 13 when Rajasthan Royals paid £105,000 for his services. His 2026 campaign was extraordinary: 776 runs in 16 matches with 72 sixes, claiming both the Orange Cap and Emerging Player awards while becoming the fastest player to 1,000 IPL runs in just 23 innings.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara witnessed the youngster's talent firsthand, recalling how a 14-year-old Sooryavanshi dominated Jofra Archer in nets, with the England fast bowler eventually stopping to laugh at the audacity. Selection chairman Ajit Agarkar declared the teenager had 'picked himself' after proving his mettle in high-pressure IPL conditions.

Sooryavanshi already owns bragging rights against England, smashing 175 from 80 balls in the U19 World Cup final to lead India to victory. If selected this summer, he would break Sachin Tendulkar's record as India's youngest-ever player, potentially marking the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket.