Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing 2nd T20I? India squad vs England

After missing the first T20I against England in Chester-le-Street, one question is on every fan's mind: Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi get his debut in the second T20I in Manchester? The 15-year-old batting sensation is still waiting for his first international appearance despite strong demands from fans.

Vaibhav was also left out of India's two-match T20I series against Ireland. His absence became a big talking point after India lost the series 2-0, with many fans and former cricketers believing he deserved a chance in the playing XI.

However, the Indian team management has continued to back Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as the opening pair. The decision has divided opinion, especially after Samson managed to score just 1 run in the first T20I against England. Many fans are now hoping Vaibhav will get an opportunity in the second match.

Snubbed again? Why Sooryavanshi didn't play the 1st T20I in Durham

India did not give any official reason for leaving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the playing XI for the first T20I against England in Durham. At the toss, captain Shreyas Iyer announced the team but did not explain why the 16-year-old was not selected. Instead, he said India were excited for the series, wanted to bat first, and had decided to play with three spinners.

However, Iyer had already hinted at the team's selection strategy before the match. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on June 30, he said the management wanted to continue backing the players who helped India win the T20 World Cup 2026. He added that every player in the squad had performed well and deserved the team's trust.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also shared his views on Sooryavanshi's wait for a debut. He said the delay could increase the pressure on the youngster when he finally gets his chance. At the same time, Gavaskar believes the 16-year-old is gaining valuable experience by learning from India's senior players and will be ready whenever the opportunity comes.

India's likely playing XI for 2nd T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of the second T20I against England. The 16-year-old earned his place in the BCCI-selected squad after a brilliant IPL 2026 season, where he scored 776 runs in 16 innings and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. However, he was not included in the playing XI for the opening match, and there is no indication that India will make changes for the second game.

If Sooryavanshi gets his debut later in the series, he will create history. At 15 years and 96 days, he would become the youngest player to feature in a top-level men's T20 international. He would also become the youngest player to represent India's senior men's team, breaking the record set by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at 16 years and 205 days.

India are expected to field the same playing XI that featured in the first T20I, while England are also likely to stick with their winning combination.

India's Likely Playing XI: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.

England's Likely Playing XI: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

Dream11 Prediction: Best Picks If Sooryavanshi Finally Gets His Debut

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is once again one of the biggest talking points ahead of the second T20I against England. If the 15-year-old finally makes his debut, he could become a popular Dream11 pick because of his fearless batting style and ability to score quickly at the top of the order.

However, since India are expected to stick with the same playing XI, fantasy cricket users should wait for the official team announcement before selecting Sooryavanshi. Until then, experienced players like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy remain safer choices for Dream11 teams.

If Sooryavanshi is included in the playing XI, he could be a smart differential pick for fantasy contests. If he is not selected, fantasy players should continue with India's regular top-order batters and all-rounders. The final team announcement at the toss will be the key factor before locking in your Dream11 lineup.