Rajiv Shukla, vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has firmly denied allegations that the board treats players unfairly, following the historic debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Shukla asserted that BCCI selections are based purely on merit, dismissing social media criticism that the young batter was being overlooked.
Historic Debut for Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi made his India debut in the second T20I against England in Manchester on Saturday, becoming the youngest player to represent India across all formats at 15 years and 99 days. He also became the youngest debutant from a Test-playing nation in T20I history. In a brief but explosive innings, he scored 14 runs off 10 balls, including two sixes, before being stumped off Will Jacks.
His debut broke long-standing records held by Sachin Tendulkar (Test debut at 16 years 205 days, ODI debut at 16 years 238 days) and Piyush Chawla (Test debut at 17 years 75 days).
Shukla's Response to Social Media Uproar
Speaking to ANI, Shukla said: "Huge congratulations to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on his debut and for receiving this opportunity. The BCCI does not treat anyone unfairly; those who deserve it get their chance. There was a lot of uproar on social media claiming that opportunities weren't being given; people were criticising both the coach and the captain. But that wasn't the case. I had said just the other day that when the right moment arrived, he would certainly get his chance, and yesterday, he did. I believe he will perform well in the future and truly come into his own. It is an excellent decision by the team management, and we should appreciate it."
Match Summary: India vs England 2nd T20I
India opted to bat first after winning the toss. Abhishek Sharma scored 43 off 24 balls (eight fours, one six), and Shreyas Iyer made 37 off 22 balls (three fours, one six). Ishan Kishan added 49 off 40 balls (six fours), sharing a 65-run partnership with Iyer for the third wicket. However, India collapsed from 130/2 to 165/6. Tilak Varma's quickfire 24* off 11 balls (one four, two sixes) helped India reach 190/7 in 20 overs. Sam Curran was England's most successful bowler with 3/33.
In reply, England lost openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler for ducks—the first time England's openers both scored zero in a T20I. Captain Harry Brook smashed 39 off 15 balls (four boundaries, three sixes) and added a 50-run stand with Jacob Bethell. Bethell then shared a 67-run partnership with Tom Banton (39 off 32 balls, six fours) for the fourth wicket. After Banton and Jacks fell, Bethell remained unbeaten on 76 off 46 balls (five fours, five sixes), guiding England to victory in 19 overs alongside Jofra Archer (10*).
Series Status
England now lead the five-match T20I series 1-0, with the first match washed out. India have three remaining matches to bounce back.
