Ian Bishop Selects Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Alternate India T20 Squad

Ian Bishop picked Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in his alternate India T20 squad, saying the young left-hander is ready for the next step.

Ian Bishop backed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for a future India T20 role after his impressive IPL 2026 performances. Reports have linked the youngster with a possible debut during India’s two-match T20I series in Ireland in June.

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While picking an alternate India T20 squad, Ian Bishop selected Sooryavanshi alongside Shubman Gill and Prabhsimran Singh as his opening options. He said the teenager looked ready for the next level and preferred Prabhsimran over Priyansh Arya based on current form.

“You tell me if you disagree. I’m picking three openers in my squad. I want a left-right match-up as much as I can. Shubman Gill has been in good form, so I’ve gone with him. The left-hander is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. I think he is ready to take another step. And I’ve gone with Prabhsimran Singh. Priyansh Arya was in there as well, but I think Prabh has been in better form this season,” Bishop said on ESPNCricinfo’s ‘Quick Singles’.

Bishop also included Shreyas Iyer in the middle order after his strong IPL performances. Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkaland wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel earned spots as well.

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The bowling attack featured Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav and Prasidh Krishna.

“I’m looking at Shreyas Iyer in the middle order, for obvious reasons. Rajat Patidar is another one who I think can make an impact and Devdutt Padikkal, who has been sublime. The keeper is Dhruv Jurel – he has better form compared to Jitesh Sharma with the bat and gloves. Nitish Kumar Reddy is my seam-bowling all-rounder, who has been scoring runs and bowling reasonably well at times for the Sunrisers Hyderabad,” added Bishop.

“From a spinner’s point of view, my options are pretty much narrow, based on form at this juncture, but Krunal Pandya has been an important player. And then for my genuine spinner, I have gone with the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, Yuzvendra Chahal. Seamer, who I love very much – Bhuvneshwar gets into my squad at 36 because he is bowling as well as he ever has,” said Bishop.

Ian Bishop’s Alternate India T20 Team

Shubman Gill, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna