India's decision to hand 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his maiden international cap in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford grabbed headlines across the cricketing world. The teenager replaced Sanju Samson in the playing XI after the wicketkeeper-batter endured a poor run with the bat in recent matches. While fans celebrated the arrival of one of India's brightest young talents, former India batter Ambati Rayudu reminded everyone not to overlook Sanju Samson's recent contributions to Indian cricket.
Ambati Rayudu congratulated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on achieving the dream of representing India at such a young age and wished him a long and successful international career. At the same time, he backed Sanju Samson, pointing out that the Kerala batter was India's Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2026 and deserved support despite a brief dip in form.
Sooryavanshi etched his name into the record books the moment he walked onto the field at Old Trafford. At just 15 years and 99 days, he became the youngest player ever to represent India in men's international cricket, breaking the long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16 years and 205 days.
The youngster also became the youngest Indian men's cricketer to make a T20I debut and enjoyed a memorable start to his innings. He struck two sixes during his 14-run knock off 10 balls, including a trademark maximum off Jofra Archer.
His innings ended when he was stumped by Jos Buttler off Will Jacks, making him the first Indian batter to be stumped on T20I debut. He also joined an elite list of Indian batters with the most sixes on T20I debut, finishing with two maximums during his brief but entertaining stay at the crease. India eventually posted 190/7 before England chased down the target with six balls to spare.
Ambati Rayudu asks fans not to forget Sanju Samson amid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hype
Following Sooryavanshi's debut, Ambati Rayudu took to X and shared a heartfelt message for both players.
"Let's spare a thought for Sanju Samson.. very happy to see Vaibhav make his debut and it deserves a celebration but let's not forget that Sanju was the man of the tournament in the t20 worldcup just 3 t20 games ago. I just hope he comes back strong and also wish Vaibhav a very long and a record shattering career," Ambati Rayudu stated.
Let’s spare a thought for Sanju Samson.. very happy to see Vaibhav make his debut and it deserves a celebration but let’s not forget that Sanju was the man of the tournament in the t20 worldcup just 3 t20 games ago. I just hope he comes back strong and also wish Vaibhav a very…
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) July 5, 2026Ambati Rayudu's post struck a balanced tone as he celebrated the arrival of India's newest teenage sensation while urging fans not to judge Sanju Samson solely on his recent scores. The former India batter highlighted how quickly perceptions can change in international cricket, especially considering Samson was being hailed as India's best performer at the T20 World Cup only a few matches ago.
Ambati Rayudu's remarks also reflected the wider debate surrounding India's selection call. Several former cricketers had earlier urged the team management to continue backing Samson despite growing clamour for Sooryavanshi's inclusion.
Why was Sanju Samson dropped?
he decision to leave Samson out of the playing XI came after a disappointing run with the bat. The right-hander managed scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his previous three T20I innings against Ireland and England, failing to provide the explosive starts India expected from him at the top of the order.
With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting in the squad and calls for his debut growing louder, the Indian think tank opted for a bold change ahead of the Manchester encounter. The move gave the teenager an opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage, but it also meant Sanju Samson lost his place after just three low scores.
What surprised many was the timing of the decision. Samson had played a crucial role in India's successful T20 World Cup 2026 campaign and was named the tournament's Player of the Tournament. Despite those heroics, the team management appeared willing to move on quickly in search of fresh options at the top of the order. Ambati Rayudu's comments reflected that sentiment, suggesting that a player who delivered so recently for India deserved a longer rope before being sidelined.
Hence then, the article about ambati rayudu urges fans not to forget sanju samson amid vaibhav sooryavanshi hype was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ambati Rayudu urges fans not to forget Sanju Samson amid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hype )
Also on site :
- Saturday evening weather forecast - July 4, 2026
- Former presidents reflect on America at 250: ‘Constant work in progress’
- Gil Mora, un chico entre gigantes que deslumbra con México en el Mundial 2026 y que tiene destino europeo