​India began their United Kingdom tour with the first of two T20Is against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday, followed by the second match on Sunday. All eyes were on the India camp as fans anticipated the international debut of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the series opener on June 26. After a standout IPL 2026 season in which he claimed the Orange Cap, Sooryavanshi was widely expected to earn his maiden cap in the opening game. However, the team management chose not to disrupt the in-form top order of the Men in Blue, who had clinched the T20 World Cup 2026 not long ago.
Following a disappointing loss in the first match, India’s think tank may consider rewarding Sooryavanshi with a place in the opening slot for the deciding game of the series. If selected, Sooryavanshi is expected to open the batting for India in Belfast on Sunday.
Looking at his recent form, Sooryavanshi has shown a developing middle-overs and finishing ability during India A’s tri-series in Sri Lanka, culminating in a record-breaking 94 in the final to seal the series. His scores in the tri-series leading up to that finish include 38 off 28 against Afghanistan A, 14 off 12 against Sri Lanka A, 44 off 22 against Afghanistan A, and 14 off 12 against Sri Lanka A.