Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India Debut Delayed Despite Fan Support in Belfast

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during first India vs Ireland T20I in Belfast

NEW DELHI: The wait for 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut continued, but the youngster still won plenty of hearts during the first T20I against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday. Many fans had arrived at the ground hoping to see the teenage star in India's playing XI after his sensational IPL season. Although Sooryavanshi was not picked, the crowd made sure he felt their support. During the match, Sooryavanshi was seen carrying drinks to his teammates alongside spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Every time the teenager appeared near the boundary ropes, loud cheers rang around the stadium.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut wait continues

The excitement began even before the match when new India captain Shreyas Iyer arrived for the toss. After naming the playing XI, Iyer was immediately asked whether Sooryavanshi would make his international debut. "Unfortunately no (Sooryavanshi's debut). He's a gun player but we have some tremendous players who have done well for us so we are backing them. He will get his chance when the time comes," Iyer said. India retained the core of the side that won the T20 World Cup earlier this year, with Sooryavanshi forced to wait for his opportunity.

Ireland script history

While the focus before the match was on whether Sooryavanshi would play, the headlines eventually belonged to Ireland. The hosts stunned the reigning T20 World Cup champions with a 34-run victory, their first-ever win over India in any format. Ireland recovered from 51/4 to post 182/9 before bowling India out for 148 in 18.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Shreyas Iyer promises strong response

After suffering defeat in his first match as India's T20I captain, Iyer admitted the team had plenty to improve. "We are not going to forget what happened and there's a lot to learn from this game. Going to come out all guns blazing in the next game."

Ireland's debutants impress

India-born left-arm pacer Jai Moondra enjoyed a memorable debut, dismissing Sanju Samson with his very first ball before finishing with 2/25. Matt Hollard also starred on debut, taking three wickets, including those of Ishan Kishan and Iyer. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys claimed three wickets as Ireland's disciplined attack never allowed India to recover after Abhishek Sharma's explosive 50 off 20 balls. The two teams will meet again in the second and final T20I on Sunday, when Sooryavanshi could once again be in contention for his long-awaited India debut.