Ireland's plan for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: India’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to make his T20I debut on Ireland tour. All eyes will be on youngster as he becomes India’s youngest to make international cricket debut. The young opener has already instilled fear among world-class bowlers during his record-breaking spree in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. While his batting style is expected to be same on the international stage, Ireland’s left-arm spinner spinner Matthew Humphreys has backed ‘research’ to counter the Sooryavanshi threat. He pointed out that the pressure on bowlers is less as batters look to take the attacking route. He acknowledges how the southpaw has take on big names but feels planning well against him is the key.
"Opening the bowling, you're taking on the best guys in cricket," Humphreys told BBC Sport NI.
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"The expectation [in T20I] is you're going to get hit for six, so there's less pressure on the bowler.
"Sooryavanshi has put his name out there as one of the most explosive guys at the top of the order and has taken some big names by hitting them for six in the IPL.
"It's about doing your research and working out a plan for him."
Sooryavanshi is high-on-confidence as he is coming to Ireland after scoring the fastest century in List A (One-Day) cricket history at just 11 balls. The 29-ball 94-run knock came in the One-Day tri-series final against Sri Lanka A. He was finally able to convert a good start into an impactful start on the tour. The performance came on the back of a controversial exchange with Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage.
Humphreys’ T20I numbers
The Irish youngster has two four-fers in the format. Also, his economy rate is under seven runs per over. As per match-ups in modern T20 cricket, a left-arm spinner bowling to Sooryavanshi may lead to the latter hitting a few boundaries around the park. In the tri-series, Sooryavanshi was dismissed by off-spin and off-pace short deliveries.
Several injured, several debuts on cards
Ireland have a fairly inexperienced lineup against India. 23-year-old Humphreys has played 18 T20Is and claimed 25 wickets, averaging 18.56. Reuben Wilson, Jai Moondra, Matt Hollard, Gavin Hoey are yet to make their T20I debuts. They will be led by Lorcan Tucker who has led in only two T20Is so far. Ireland are without the services of skipper Paul Stirling, Josh Little, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Barry McCarthy and Jordan Neil. All of them are nursing their respective injuries.