Youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stayed unused in the playing eleven during India’s T20I tour of Ireland, even after strong domestic performances. His absence drew attention, given that he is just fifteen years old. Still, associate coach Ryan ten Doeschate stood by the selection panel’s timing. The team faced setbacks, losing both matches in Belfast under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. That sweep marked the first time India fell 2-0 in a two-game T20 series. Decisions around player debuts took center stage afterward.

Questions started piling up when India’s top-order crumbled across two games.

Not even the standout performers from the 2026 T20 World Cup, like Sanju Samson, could find rhythm – he ended with mere runs: five then zero. On the flip, Vaibhav stepped into the squad fresh off a wild stretch with India A. He’d burned through records, clocking the quickest fifty in List A cricket off only eleven balls. Right after, he blasted ninety-four in under thirty hits during the tri-nations decider against Sri Lanka A.

Ryan ten Doeschate explains why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was not picked

Later on, when asked about the series, Doeschate stood by Vaibhav – clear from the start that talent wasn’t the issue.

Yet, making space proved tough because Sanju Samson, fresh off helping India lift the T20 World Cup months prior, held a spot the staff weren’t ready to open.

“He’s absolutely ready to play international cricket, there’s no doubt about that. But also, I think it’s not a question to say you can leave Sanju Samson out. A guy who went a long way to winning India the World Cup three months ago. A guy who’s had a fairly good IPL,” Doeschate said.

Starting fresh under Shreyas Iyer, the team now focuses on stability.

Instead of constant shifts, opportunities will stretch further for each player. The assistant coach highlighted this shift clearly. A steady lineup matters more moving forward. Patience replaces quick turnovers. Building cohesion takes priority now. Longer chances are part of the plan. Frequent swaps take a backseat. This approach shapes the new phase.

“It’s important in terms of giving players confidence, and the message we’re sending to players. We want to give guys a long run in the team. So, as ready as Vaibhav is and as excited as we are and you are to see him play, he’s going to have to go through the same process as everyone else and bide his time and wait.

But certainly no questions about how good he is and how ready he is,” he added.

Oddly enough, Doeschate’s words matched what ex-T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav once said at the 2026 T20 World Cup. Back then, reporters brought up Sanju Samson’s absence, even while India faltered with the bat. Instead of defending the choice, Suryakumar posed a question – whose spot should Sanju take when everyone else was already settled? Surprisingly blunt.

Later in the tournament, India brought Samson into the squad.

In reply, he delivered three crucial knocks that helped secure victory. The team claimed its third T20 World Cup trophy after those wins.

Right now, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might need more time before playing for India. Though he missed becoming the country’s youngest player on the Ireland trip, the 15-year-old stays in the group picked for England’s white-ball matches ahead. Five T20 games plus three ODIs make up the schedule there. Chances are strong he’ll still get a shot at his first appearance during those games.