15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s Long-Standing India Debut Record

Sports Desk 

MANCHESTER: At just 15 years and 99 days old, left-handed opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the youngest player ever to represent India in international cricket, overtaking the long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut at 16 years and 205 days in 1989.

Sooryavanshi made his international debut after being included in India's playing XI for the second T20 International against England at Old Trafford on Saturday, replacing wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.

The teenage batting sensation earned widespread attention during the 2025 Indian Premier League, where he announced himself with a breathtaking 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals. His fearless stroke play and remarkable consistency quickly established him as one of India's brightest young prospects.

Although selected in India's squads for the recent T20I series against Ireland and England, Sooryavanshi had not featured in the playing XI before Saturday's match. The opening game against England was abandoned without a result because of rain, delaying his long-awaited debut.

Speaking after winning the toss, India captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed the youngster's inclusion and praised his fearless approach to the game. "Vaibhav comes in for Sanju. The way he has been batting over the past few months, taking on some of the best bowlers with confidence, shows the belief he has in his ability," Iyer said.

"He has earned this opportunity through his performances. He doesn't appear to feel pressure and has shown remarkable composure in the dressing room. It's great to have him in the team." By making his debut at 15 years and 99 days, Sooryavanshi has written his name into Indian cricket history, breaking a record that had stood since Sachin Tendulkar's iconic debut against Pakistan in December 1989.

India Playing XI (2nd T20I vs England):

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy.