India coach backs Sanju Samson over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite struggles

Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has backed opener Sanju Samson despite his poor run of form during the T20I series against Ireland. Doeschate stated that the team management is willing to stay patient with its experienced players rather than rushing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the senior side.

India, led by Shreyas Iyer, suffered a 2-0 T20I series defeat after losing the second and final match by one run in Belfast on Sunday, June 28. Chasing 155, the Men in Blue managed to score 153 runs for 9 wickets. Both openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, were dismissed for golden ducks in the very first over.

He Is Absolutely Ready to Play International Cricket – Ryan ten Doeschate on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ryan ten Doeschate said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for international cricket. However, he stated that the team management wants to continue backing experienced players like Sanju Samson.

“He is absolutely ready to play international cricket; there is no doubt about that. But also, I think it isn’t a question to say you can leave Sanju Samson out. A guy who went a long way to winning India the World Cup three months ago,” ten Doeschate said.

🔴 NO PLACE FOR VAIBHAV YET! TEAM INDIA BACKS SANJU SAMSON🤯

Q🎙️: Coach, How far Vaibhav Suryavanshi from debut?

Ryan ten doeschate🎙️: Vaibhav is absolutely ready for international cricket, but we won’t rush him. Sanju played a big role in India’s T20 World Cup win and had a… pic.twitter.com/4FrYEXD9O2

— Sam (@cricsam02) June 29, 2026

Ireland recorded their first-ever T20I series win over the Men in Blue. The series defeat also ended India’s 16-series winning streak in bilateral T20Is. Fans slammed Team India for its disappointing T20I series defeat to Ireland, calling the performance “shameful” on social media.

We Want to Give Guys a Long Run in the Team” – Ryan ten Doeschate on Sanju Samson

Ryan ten Doeschate said that the team management does not want to drop players after just a few poor performances. He said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must stay patient and wait for the right opportunity to make his international debut.

“It is important in terms of giving players confidence and the message we are sending to players. We want to give guys a long run in the team,” he said.

“So, you know, as ready as Vaibhav is and as excited as we are and you are to see him play, he is going to have to go through the same process as everyone else and, you know, bide his time and wait,” he added.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Waits for His India Debut Despite Impressive Performances

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned a fast-tracked India call-up after a sensational IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. The 15-year-old was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 776 runs in 16 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30.

He continued his form in the Tri-Nation A series in Dambulla, where he smashed the fastest fifty in List A history with an 11-ball half-century against Sri Lanka A. The left-hander scored a stunning 94 off just 29 balls in the final.

India will now travel to England for a five-match T20I series starting on July 1 in Chester-le-Street. Sooryavanshi’s debut will depend more on the performances of the current opening pair than on his credentials.