Even as the clamour for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India debut grows louder, Kapil Dev and Parthiv Patel have struck a note of caution. The two former India cricketers believe the teenage sensation has exceptional talent but should be managed carefully as he takes the next step in his career.

While Kapil Dev believes his ability, not his age, should determine his selection, former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has backed the team management’s cautious approach, stressing that clear communication with the youngster is crucial as he waits for his international debut.

Also read | Sooryavanshi’s debut delayed: Will he replace out-of-touch Samson?

Meanwhile, an Instagram post by the teenager has fuelled speculation that his debut could come in the second T20I against England.

Age shouldn’t matter: Kapil Dev

“I feel that if he is ready, his age should not be counted (taken into consideration) but his ability should be. If you feel that he can be played on his ability, he should be played,” Kapil said, while cautioning against creating excessive hype around the youngster and stressing that every cricketer goes through difficult phases.

Sooryavanshi has been included in India’s squads for the T20I tours of Ireland and England but is yet to make his international debut. As debate continues over whether the 15-year-old should replace one of India’s T20 World Cup-winning stars, Kapil said the youngster possesses rare talent.

“If you are talking about the talent, yes he is as good as Sachin (Tendulkar) or Virat Kohli and the talent can be seen in him for T20, (but) for the rest (of the formats), he will have to prove (himself),” Kapil said on the Vikrant podcast.

Badrinath for Sooryavanshi’s debut

Former India batter S Badrinath has urged the team management to seriously consider handing Sooryavanshi his India debut, arguing that the teenage sensation’s red-hot form should not be wasted while Sanju Samson continues to struggle for runs.

The debate over Sooryavanshi’s non-selection has intensified after India’s T20I series defeat to Ireland and Samson’s lean patch at the top of the order. Samson has managed scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his last three international innings, prompting calls for India to hand the youngster an opportunity.

Badrinath, speaking on his YouTube channel Cric It with Badrisaid the timing was ideal because Sooryavanshi was at the peak of his confidence. “Timing is very important for a player in form. He should be given a chance when he is in the form of his life,” he said.

Shukla backs team management

Meanwhile, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has backed the team management, saying the 15-year-old will get his chance at the right time. The left-hander earned his place in the senior squad after a sensational IPL 2026 season, scoring 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.31.

“We are also of the view that he is a very talented player, and he showcased that during the IPL. I have seen several comments against the team management and the coaches, but I want to make it very clear that the coach and captain will make the final decision. They are looking at the situation, and whenever the right opportunity arises, they will definitely give him his chance,” Shukla told Times Now.

“So, such decisions should be left to the wisdom of the team management. I don’t know why such unnecessary comments are being made about it,” he added.

Faith in current openers

Earlier, India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday indicated that the management was unlikely to break up the opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma despite Sooryavanshi knocking on the door.

Also read | Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will use separate changing room in England

“I think we just need to respect the fact that we’ve got the number one batter, or we had our number one batter in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju was the player of the World Cup,” Morkel said ahead of the second T20I against England.

“He (Samson) had a great IPL. So, I think as a coaching staff, it’s only fair to show faith and back your players. Yes, there’s a young man knocking on the door and it’s exciting. But I reckon for not just those two players at the top, but for the rest of the group, it’s a good sign that we show that we back you guys,” he added.

Debut speculation gathers pace

After warming the bench throughout the UK tour so far, Sooryavanshi could finally make his India debut in the second T20I against England on Saturday.

The 15-year-old opener, who did not feature in the Ireland T20Is and missed the series opener against England, shared an Instagram story with the caption “new chapter”, hinting that his long-awaited debut may finally be around the corner.