ENG vs IND: Subramaniam Badrinath explains why Vaibhav Suryavanshi should replace Sanju Samson in India’s playing XI

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Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has urged the Indian team management to consider handing teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi his international debut in the ongoing T20I series against England. The 15-year-old earned his maiden national call-up after a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, but is yet to feature in India’s playing XI despite carrying remarkable form into international cricket.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cric it with Badri, Badrinath explained why he believes the left-handed opener should be drafted into the side sooner rather than later, even if it means replacing an established player.

Badrinath stressed that timing is crucial in a cricketer’s career and felt India should capitalize on Suryavanshi’s confidence after his extraordinary IPL season. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) youngster amassed 776 runs in just 16 matches to finish as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament, yet has remained on the bench through the Ireland series and the opening T20I against England.

The former India batter also highlighted Sanju Samson’s prolonged lean patch in T20Is, suggesting it gives the selectors something to think about. While making his point, Badrinath clarified that he was not advocating dropping Samson permanently, but felt the management should seriously consider rewarding Suryavanshi’s outstanding form.

“Timing is very important for a player in form. He should be given a chance when he’s in the form of his life. There is no use playing him when he’s not in form. Confidence is everything in sports and he is high on confidence right now. So he must play. Also, let’s not forget, Sanju Samson has been continuously failing since the T20 World Cup. He hasn’t done anything great since the World Cup. Though I don’t advocate dropping Samson, it’s something to think about when an in-form Suryavanshi is sitting out,” Badrinath said.

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Badrinath further pointed to India’s lack of attacking intent during the recently concluded T20I series against Ireland, where the Men in Blue suffered a surprising 2-0 whitewash after posting below-par totals of 148 and 153. According to him, India’s struggles with the bat make an even stronger case for introducing an aggressive opener like Suryavanshi, who has built a reputation for fearless strokeplay.

“There was a lack of intent with the bat in the two losses against Ireland. That makes it all the more a reason for Team India to play Vaibhav Suryavanshi,” Badrinath remarked.

India showed encouraging signs in the opening T20I against England, posting 189 before persistent rain prevented a result. With the second T20I scheduled to be played in Manchester on July 4, all eyes will be on the team selection to see whether the highly-rated teenager finally gets the opportunity to make his international debut.

Also READ: Dinesh Karthik backs Sanju Samson as India’s opener despite the buzz around Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s T20I debut against England