Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the selection of young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi for the upcoming T20I tours of India. Ashwin praised the young left-hander’s fearless batting style and said his inclusion will increase competition for places in India’s T20I lineup.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, will begin their UK tour with a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28. The Men in Blue will then travel to England for a five-match T20I series from July 1 to July 11, giving Suryavanshi an opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi will make it difficult for people to play – Ravichandran Ashwin
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Ravichandran Ashwin said that the arrival of Vaibhav Suryavanshi will increase competition in India’s T20 team. The veteran spinner said that the young batsman’s talent and fearless approach will make it difficult for other players to retain their place in the lineup.
“The only thing is that there are some places up for grabs. There is going to be some serious competition among the guys who are in good form, including Abhishek and Sanju at the top.”
“It’s going to be interesting to watch, there will be a lot of sights to see and competition. It’s going to be hot and it’s going to be really hard for Vaibhav to play guys. I mean, he’s not going to give you a chance to fail. He’s going to take it.”
‘Vaibhav will not give you a chance to fail’ R Ashwin on how soon Vaibhav Suryavanshi can make a place in India’s playing eleven. pic.twitter.com/BWRYu6oSUY
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 7, 2026
I hope he gets support – Ravichandran Ashwin on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Ravichandran Ashwin said that India should support Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s aggressive batting style. The experienced spinner believes that the youngster should continue to play his natural game, even if it involves risk, as this approach can be highly effective in modern white-ball cricket.
“And I really hope he continues to play the way he has because it’s quite exciting and I hope he gets the support to play the kind of cricket that he is capable of playing. It’s full of risk as Abhishek Sharma has done with India over the last few years.”
Suryavanshi dominated IPL 2026, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.30, winning both the Orange Cap and Most Valuable Player awards.
The teenage sensation also earned several other honours, including Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker and Super Six. He hit a record 72 sixes during the season and broke Chris Gayle’s record of most sixes in an IPL campaign.
It’s a well-deserved call-up – Ravichandran Ashwin on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Vaibhav Suryavanshi fully deserved his first India call-up. The veteran spinner highlighted the left-hander’s fearless batting and commitment to the team and said his selection is only a matter of time.
“Look, I think it’s been amazing to see the kind of time he’s had over the last 12 months or so. He’s an exceptional batsman, fearless, wants to play for the team all the time, and I think it’s a worthy call-up for him.”
“It was just a question of how long he had to wait and that is, I am sure the selectors and the captain and everyone else also saw the potential that he had. So, the question is not whether he should be in the Indian team or not, the question is when and whether the selectors have deemed it appropriate to include him now.”
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