Indian batter Hanuma Vihari is hopeful that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets to play the next three T20Is against England. Sooryavanshi became the youngest Indian player to make his International debut after he received his maiden cap in the second T20I against England, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record.

However, the youngster could only manage 14 runs off 10 balls before he was stumped by England’s wicket-keeper Jos Buttler. Sooryavanshi had received his maiden T20I call-up after scoring 776 runs in 16 matches of IPL 2026 while playing for Rajasthan Royals.

“Vaibhav hit a six off Jofra Archer and Tongue as well. Unfortunately, he got out, but this is a good start. He started the same way he does in the IPL. You could see that he belonged to this level and IPL is as good as international cricket too. He should be given the next three games as well. Once you have decided that you want to play him, you have to give a long rope. I hope he plays the next three games. Whether it is fair or unfair on Sanju Samson, that is a different issue,” Vihari said on his YouTube channel.

Vihari reckons the outside noise could have forced the Indian team’s think to play Sooryavanshi soon.

“Till you don’t create a secure environment, it is difficult for any player. If you are the Player of the Tournament and then lose your spot only after three games, it gets difficult for any player. It is also the pressure of social media. When there is so much pressure to play Vaibhav, the team management also goes for it and by experience, I am telling you. And Sanju became the victim there. Someone had to go out in that opening slot, and Abhishek had scored. We will wait and watch whether they bring in a rotation policy or whether Abhishek and Vaibhav will continue to open, and Ishan Kishan plays,” he expressed.

The Indian cricketer feels too many left-handers in India’s batting order made it easier for England bowlers.

“Shreyas Iyer is the only right-hander in the top seven. As everyone are left-handers, they got Will Jacks early and gave them a wicket as well. It made England’s job much easier with more left-handers,” Hanuma Vihari said.

The third T20I between England and India will be played at Nottingham on Tuesday.