Ian Bishop Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India T20I Debut, Names Him in Alternate Squad
Former West Indies fast bowler and respected commentator Ian Bishop has sparked fresh debate over India’s future T20I batting lineup after naming young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as his preferred opening partner for Shubman Gill in an alternate India squad.
The move has intensified discussions around whether Sooryavanshi could be fast-tracked into senior international cricket following IPL 2026, with reports suggesting he is also under consideration for India’s upcoming tour of Ireland in June.
Bishop confident in Sooryavanshi’s readiness
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Bishop made a strong case for the young left-hander, stating his belief that Sooryavanshi is ready for the next step.
“Of my openers, I’m picking three in the squad. I want a left-right match-up as well as I can. The left-hander is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. I think he’s ready to take another step,” Bishop said.
Interestingly, Bishop chose Sooryavanshi over established India and Rajasthan Royals teammate Yashasvi Jaiswal, highlighting the youngster’s rising stock in T20 cricket discussions.
Alternate India T20I squad composition
In Bishop’s suggested XI structure, Sooryavanshi opens alongside Shubman Gill, with Prabhsimran Singh as backup. The middle order features Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal, offering a mix of experience and emerging talent.
Wicketkeeping duties were assigned to Dhruv Jurel, who was preferred over out-of-form Jitesh Sharma.
All-round balance and bold selections
Bishop’s squad also includes all-rounders Krunal Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy, adding depth to both batting and bowling departments.
One of the standout decisions was the recall of veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been out of India’s T20I setup for nearly three years. Bishop opted for Chahal ahead of younger spinner Ravi Bishnoi, signaling a preference for experience in key moments.
Pace attack led by experience and youth
The pace unit features a blend of seasoned and emerging fast bowlers, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna.
Ian Bishop’s full alternate India T20I squad
- Shubman Gill
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rajat Patidar
- Dhruv Jurel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Mohsin Khan
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Prince Yadav
- Prasidh Krishna
Growing buzz around Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in such discussions reflects the growing excitement around his rapid development in domestic and IPL cricket. With selectors reportedly monitoring his progress closely, strong performances in the upcoming IPL season could significantly strengthen his case for a senior India debut.
While no official decision has been made, backing from a respected voice like Ian Bishop has only added momentum to the conversation surrounding one of India’s most closely watched young batting prospects.
