Sooryavanshi Debuts at 15 Years and 99 Days
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became India's youngest international cricket debutant during the second T20I against England in Manchester on July 5, 2026. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from well-wishers and vowed to perform for the country every time he takes the field.
Sooryavanshi, at 15 years and 99 days, broke the long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted in Tests at 16 years and 205 days and in ODIs at 16 years and 238 days. He also surpassed Piyush Chawla, who made his Test debut at 17 years and 75 days. Sooryavanshi is now the youngest debutant from any Test-playing nation in T20I history.
Debut Innings and Match Highlights
Batting first, India handed Sooryavanshi his much-anticipated international debut. His innings lasted only 10 balls, during which he scored 14 runs, including two sixes. Despite the short stay, his aggressive intent was evident. Abhishek Sharma contributed 43 runs off 24 balls (eight fours, one six), and Shreyas Iyer added 37 off 22 balls (three fours, one six). Ishan Kishan scored 49 off 40 balls (six fours), sharing a 65-run partnership with Iyer for the third wicket.
India collapsed from 130/2 to 165/6, but 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 best bowler with figures of 3/33.
England's Chase and Series Lead
In response, England lost openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler for ducks—the first time both were dismissed for 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 put on 67 runs for the fourth wicket with Tom Banton (39 off 32 balls, six fours). After Banton and Will Jacks fell, England were 133/5 in 15.2 overs.
Bethell remained unbeaten on 76 off 46 balls (five fours, five sixes), and with Jofra Archer (10*), completed the chase in 19 overs. England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with three matches remaining. The first T20I was washed out.
Sooryavanshi's Reaction
Following the match, Sooryavanshi posted on social media, thanking his well-wishers for their love and support. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent India at the highest level and promised to give his best in every game. According to ANI, he was overwhelmed by the messages he received.
