Who should open with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the IRE vs IND T20Is? Top 3 options

India are set to take on Ireland in a two-match T20I series, with the Men in Blue travelling with a slightly revamped squad following their T20 World Cup campaign. Shreyas Iyer has been handed the captaincy duties, while teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned a place in the squad after his remarkable performances in domestic cricket, the IPL, and Under-19 tournaments. As excitement builds around the youngster’s potential debut, one major talking point is who should open the batting alongside him.

Here are three strong contenders for the role:

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan could be a valuable option at the top of the order. Although he is often viewed as a middle-order batter for India, he has extensive experience as an opener and has enjoyed a productive run across formats in recent months. Kishan played a key role in his team’s successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign and carried that momentum into international cricket with several impactful performances.

He also impressed in the IPL, scoring consistently while maintaining an aggressive approach. His ability to attack from the outset and take on the new ball could complement Sooryavanshi’s game perfectly, making him a strong candidate to partner the youngster in Ireland.

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson is another compelling option. The wicketkeeper-batter has established himself as one of India’s most destructive T20 players and has produced several match-winning innings in recent times. After a mixed run in bilateral cricket, Samson rediscovered his best form on the big stage and continued that momentum in the IPL, where he delivered a number of standout performances, including multiple centuries. 

His experience and ability to pace an innings could prove invaluable for a young batter like Sooryavanshi. With Irish conditions often rewarding positive stroke play, Samson’s attacking mindset could make him an ideal opening partner.

Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma remains the frontrunner to open alongside Sooryavanshi. The left-handed batter has been India’s preferred opening option in T20Is and has built a reputation for fearless batting. Known for his explosive strike rate, Abhishek has consistently provided quick starts and put opposition bowlers under pressure.

He also enjoyed another productive IPL season, where he was among the most dangerous batters in the powerplay. His aggressive style, combined with his familiarity with the opening role, makes him a natural fit at the top of the order.