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Vaibhav Suryavanshi is still awaiting his India debut, yet the 15-year-old batting sensation was one of the biggest attractions during the opening two-match T20I series between India and Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday (June 26).
After his brilliant IPL 2026 season, many fans had come to the Civil Services Cricket Club Stadium in the hope of seeing the young left-hander play for the senior Indian team for the first time. However, the team management refused to give Vaibhav a debut cap for the first T20 match against Ireland.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi sells drinks in Belfast
Despite missing out on his debut, Vaibhav Suryavanshi enjoyed a memorable first day with the senior Indian cricket team. During the match on Friday, the left-handed batsman was seen carrying drinks on the field for his teammates along with spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
Whenever Kishore stepped onto the ground near the boundary, the crowd welcomed him with loud cheers and applause. The fans made sure he felt their love and support even though he was not playing with glory, enjoying every moment in Belfast.
When Vaibhav Suryavanshi came out to serve drinks during the India vs Ireland match, the crowd was going crazy for him.
– A player who is entitled to a place in the playing eleven is serving drinks, while a player who is entitled to serve drinks is a permanent member of the eleven. pic.twitter.com/Auw98gVlZO
– Jara (@JARA_Memer) June 26, 2026
Ravichandran Ashwin defends Indian selectors amid Vaibhav Suryavanshi selection debate
Meanwhile, the absence of Vaibhav Suryavanshi in India’s playing XI has created a massive uproar on social media, but former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has urged people to be patient after Ireland defeated the Men in Blue by 34 runs in the first T20I, saying people have to be sensible.
The former off-spinner believes that India should not leave out players who are already performing well in order to give Vaibhav an early debut. He emphasized that Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have done a good job as opening batsmen and they deserve to retain their places in the team.
Ravichandran Ashwin told senior journalist Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel, “Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma batted together as the opening pair and they are performing really well. Sanju also batted well in the T20 World Cup. If one of these two sits out and plays Vaibhav Suryavanshi, what is the point of calling it a team game? The two players performed well. You should not blame them for your situation. You should blame yourself. We should think by putting them in their place.”
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals why sitting out can make Vaibhav Suryavanshi stronger
Ashwin admitted that he is a big fan of Vaibhav but feels that the youngster should bide his time and stressed that serving the team can help a young cricketer grow, understand the team better and prepare for a long international career.
He further added, “I know Vaibhav has to play. I am also a big fan of his, and he is an entertainer, but not at any cost. There is value in sitting out and watching the match. Let him sit out; let him serve the team; let him serve water. Serving drinks will teach him a lot. A great player is not made overnight.”
It is possible that once Vaibhav Suryavanshi comes out to play, he will never be dropped. This can also happen. What happened to Sachin Tendulkar can happen. But my point is that if he sits outside he will get sympathy. This can be a long lasting career for India. Sitting outside also plays a role.”
Sit outside, take drinks, earn respect, then play – Ashwin’s brutal message to Vaibhav
: Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have earned their places through performances, so it would be unfair to drop one to accommodate Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
– He insisted that sitting… pic.twitter.com/wGL52sydfK
– Sam (@cricsam02) June 27, 2026