Ireland reveal plan for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as India debut buzz grows ahead of T20I series

Ireland are preparing for a tough test as they get set to host reigning T20 world champions India in a two-match T20I series beginning in Stormont. While the visitors arrive with plenty of star power and several match-winners in their ranks, the Irish camp insists its focus remains firmly on executing its own plans rather than getting carried away by individual opponents.

The series marks India’s return to Ireland for a T20I assignment after three years, with considerable excitement building among local fans ahead of the opening game.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ben Calitz said Ireland are approaching India’s batting line-up with the same mindset they would use against any top international side.

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The youngster explained that while the team studies opposition players and prepares strategies, they are not creating separate plans for any one batter.

“We treat every player exactly the same – whether it is Virat Kohli tomorrow, Shreyas Iyer or Sooryavanshi playing, we treat them all the same. We prepare by looking at the videos and potential plans. But at the end of the day, you can plan as much as you want to – it can always change in the middle.

“So it’s also having that instinct of maybe the plans are not currently working and we need to change something. So, everybody’s getting treated exactly the same and they’re all very good players. There’s not a lot of weaknesses in them, obviously. They’re world champions. But all of them are viewed the same and we’re going to try to get all of them out anyway – so, that’s the plan,” Calitz told IANS in a conversation facilitated by Sony Sports Network.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi creates buzz ahead of series

One of the biggest talking points before the series has been the possibility of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi making his India debut.

The 15-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in world cricket following a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign. He finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs from 16 innings and smashed an incredible 65 sixes during the season.

Calitz admitted that Sooryavanshi’s rise has attracted global attention but stressed that Ireland will not treat him differently from any other India batter.

“Look, obviously, he’s done very well, especially in the IPL. We’ve done our research, as we do with all the other players. We don’t treat them any differently. But it is quite special for the cricket world.

“Obviously, he’s very young. He’ll be very exciting for fans. But for us, we’re focused on what we need to do and then take it from there. But he is a seriously good player, as all of them are very good players. I’m sure he’ll have some nerves on it if he makes his debut. But we’re pretty set on what we need to do and we control what we can,” he said.

Hosting World Champions a special occasion: Calitz

Calitz also described the opportunity to face India on home soil as a major occasion for Irish cricket.

The wicketkeeper-batter said matches against a team of India’s stature provide valuable experience and generate excitement throughout the country.

“It’s not every day you can play against the world champions. From that point of view, it’s very exciting as a player and as a team. Obviously, they’re very well skilled and are a very good side.

“But our focus and motto is always to focus on what we can control. So our preparation has all been about what we can do. But from that point of view, it is obviously exciting and a big privilege playing the world champs in our back garden. I’m sure there’ll be loads of people here. It’ll be a very exciting time. So very excited and I’m sure it’ll be a good couple of days and good cricket being played.“