Move on from Abhishek Sharma: Mohammad Kaif makes bold Vaibhav Sooryavanshi demand

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak might have downplayed the buzz over a possible debut for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the first T20I against Ireland on June 26 in Belfast, but the teenage batting sensation got the strong backing from Mohammad Kaif.

The 15-year-old has already impressed everyone with his fearless yet mature batting, and now the biggest question is whether India will include him in the playing XI. However, Sitanshu Kotak hinted that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get his opportunity at the right time ahead of the first T20I in Ireland.

Mohammad Kaif wants selectors to think about India’s future

But if Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets his debut cap, the big question is who will have to sacrifice their place? Well, former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes that the time has come for the selectors to think about the future and the role they set for the team.

Mohammad Kaif has pointed out that the team management and selectors have never been afraid of making bold decisions, citing how they moved on from Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma after T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy wins, so they must follow the same approach for Abhishek Sharma.

The former Indian batter has stressed that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has done everything possible to earn his chance at the top order in the playing XI against Ireland. The teenager enjoyed a dream IPL 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals, winning the Orange Cap for scoring the highest runs (776) in the tournament. He also showed glimpses of his dangerous form on the Sri Lanka tour with India A.

Mohammad Kaif explains why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must play against Ireland

Now, the left-handed opener is just one step away from scripting history to become the youngest ever player to represent India at the international arena. However, Abhishek Sharma has also found his form in the IPL 2026, where he scored over 550 runs at a stunning strike rate of over 200 for SRH.

But the Punjab lad struggled badly before the IPL 2026, registering five ducks in 8 innings at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Before the mega event, Abhishek Sharma managed only one fifty against Australia in five innings and then struggled badly against South Africa in 2026.

However, the left-handed batter hit two fifties against New Zealand earlier this year, but his inconsistency forced Kaif to demand his demotion in the batting order for the upcoming Ireland and England assignments. Kaif feels India should now find a place for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has done everything to replace Abhishek Sharma: Mohammad Kaif

The cricket pundit has noted that Sanju Samson should continue as an opener, while Vaibhav should partner him at the top of the order, though Abhishek Sharma can move down to No. 3, as he already got enough chances and the selectors should move on from him.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel, “I am saying that we moved on from Suryakumar Yadav after winning the T20 World Cup. We moved on from Rohit Sharma after winning the ICC Champions Cup. Now, the selectors must see who can give us a long-term service in the future. Who is getting a better player than Abhishek Sharma? Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have already had their chances. Now it’s time to look ahead.”

Kaif added, “No one is playing better than Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at this time. He is an Orange Cap winner and is in great form. He has already made records, broken many records, and will make many in the future. I feel that because you have made a criterion, you will have to play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. For which, you will have to play Abhishek Sharma as number 3. You will open with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson. Abhishek Sharma will have to come down as number 3. There is no other option. Because you have a lot of lefties in this Indian team.”

🔴 TIME TO MOVE ON FROM ABHISHEK SHARMA – MOHD KAIF 🤯

🎙️: “Abhishek Sharma & Sanju Samson have already had their chances. Now it’s time to look ahead. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is in outstanding form, winning the Orange Cap and breaking records.

– If India wants to play him, let… pic.twitter.com/w0DT2hmxsU

— Sam (@cricsam02) June 26, 2026