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India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak may have played down the talk of Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s possible debut in the first T20I against Ireland in Belfast on June 26, but the teenage batting sensation got strong support from Mohammad Kaif.
The 15-year-old has already impressed everyone with his fearless yet mature batting and now the biggest question is whether India will include him in the playing eleven. However, Sitanshu Kotak hinted that Vaibhav Suryavanshi will get a chance at the right time ahead of the first T20I in Ireland.
Mohammad Kaif wants selectors to think about India’s future
But if Vaibhav Suryavanshi gets his first cap, the big question is who will have to sacrifice his place? Well, former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif believes that the time has come for the selectors to think about the future and the role they have set for the team.
Mohammad Kaif, citing Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma after winning the T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy, said that the team management and selectors are never afraid of taking bold decisions, so they should adopt the same approach for Abhishek Sharma.
The former Indian batsman has stressed that Vaibhav Suryavanshi has done everything possible to get his chance at the top of the order in the playing XI against Ireland. Kishore enjoyed a dream IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, winning the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs (776) in the tournament. He also showed a glimpse of his dangerous form during the Sri Lanka tour with India A.
Mohammad Kaif explains why Vaibhav Suryavanshi should play against Ireland
Now, the left-handed opening batsman is just one step away from creating history by becoming the youngest player to represent India in the international arena. However, Abhishek Sharma has also found his form in IPL 2026, where he scored over 550 runs for SRH at an impressive strike rate of over 200.
But the Punjab player struggled badly ahead of IPL 2026, getting out for a duck five times in 8 innings in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Before the mega event, Abhishek Sharma could only score one half-century in five innings against Australia and then struggled badly against South Africa in 2026.
Although the left-handed batsman scored two fifties against New Zealand earlier this year, his inconsistency forced Kaif to demand his demotion in the batting order for the upcoming Ireland and England tour. Kaif feels that India should now find a place for Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the playing eleven.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi did everything to replace Abhishek Sharma: Mohammad Kaif
Cricket pundits have said that Sanju Samson should continue as the opener while Vaibhav should partner him at the top of the order, although Abhishek Sharma may move to No. 3 as he has already got enough chances and the selectors should move on from him.
Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel, “I am saying that after winning the T20 World Cup, we have moved on from Suryakumar Yadav. After winning the ICC Champions Cup, we have moved on from Rohit Sharma. Now, the selectors have to see who can give us long-term service in the future. Who can get a better player than Abhishek Sharma? Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have already got their chance. Now is the time to look ahead.”
Kaif said, “There is no one playing better than Vaibhav Suryavanshi at the moment. He is an Orange Cap winner and is in great form. He has already made records, broken many records and will make many in the future too. I think because you have created a benchmark, you have to play Vaibhav Suryavanshi. For which you have to play Abhishek Sharma as No. 3. You will open with Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sanju Samson. Abhishek Sharma will be given the no. Gotta come down as 3.” other options. Because there are a lot of leftists in this Indian team.
Time to move on from Abhishek Sharma – Mohammad Kaif
: “Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have already got their chances. Now it’s time to look ahead. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been in great form, winning Orange Caps and breaking records.
– If India wants to feed him, then come… pic.twitter.com/w0DT2hmxsU
– Sam (@cricsam02) June 26, 2026
