The omission of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshifrom India’s playing XI for the opening T20I against Ireland was a surprise for many. However, legendary India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind the team management’s decision, stressing that the youngster should not be rushed into international cricket.

 There had been immense excitement around Sooryavanshi’s maiden India call-up, with many expecting the 15-year-old prodigy to make his international debut in the series opener at Belfast. Instead, India retained their successful opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, leaving the teenage sensation on the sidelines.

While India’s decision came under scrutiny after their shocking 34-run defeat to Ireland, Ashwin insisted that experience gained from being around the squad is equally valuable for a young cricketer’s development.

Speaking after the match, Ashwin explained that India already had a settled opening pair and there was no reason to disturb the combination simply to hand Sooryavanshi an early debut.

“Please, everyone, think about the game with some wisdom. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened together, and Sanju batted very well in the World Cup. If you bench one of them to play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, what is the point of calling this a team game?,” he said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.

Ashwin also highlighted the importance of learning from outside the playing XI, saying that spending time with the squad would help Sooryavanshi understand the demands of international cricket before getting his opportunity.

“I know we all want to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play. We are all fans, and he is a great entertainer. But not at any cost. There is value in sitting outside and watching the game too. Let him serve the team, help out, even bring water. There is a lot to learn from that experience. A great player doesn’t become one overnight. Once Vaibhav starts playing, he might never be dropped it could happen, just as it did with Sachin Tendulkar. But if he spends some time outside the playing XI first, he will gain empathy and a better understanding of the team environment. He has a long and illustrious career ahead of him. Sitting outside is also a role.”

Meanwhile, Ireland scripted history by registering their first-ever victory over India in T20 internationals, defeating the reigning world champions by 34 runs in the opening match of the two-match series.

After opting to bat first, Ireland recovered from a shaky start of 36/3 through a composed half-century from skipper Lorcan Tucker and a blistering 49 from Gareth Delany to post a challenging total of 182/9.

India began the chase in explosive fashion as Abhishek Sharma hammered a 20-ball half-century. However, the innings unravelled soon after his dismissal, with the visitors suffering a dramatic collapse. Matt Hollard claimed 3/28, while Matthew Humphreys picked up three wickets to bowl India out for 148 in 18.5 overs.