India names playing XI for England T20I series, drops teenage prodigy

Former selector K. Srikkanth announced India's playing XI for the first two matches of the five‑match T20I series against England starting 1 July. The squad retains Abhishek Sharma and wicket‑keeper Sanju Samson but excludes 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was left out of the line‑up despite strong IPL performances. Srikkanth criticised the earlier decision to keep Suryavanshi out of the Ireland series, saying the youngster deserved a chance after a half‑century by Sharma.

Media reports highlight ongoing debate over why Suryavanshi has not been given a spot in the playing eleven, noting that team management has declared him fit and ready for international cricket. The series will be played in Chester‑le‑Street, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol and Southampton, with three ODIs to follow in Birmingham, Cardiff and Lord's.

The selection controversy underscores the pressure on India's cricket board to balance youth development with immediate performance as the team seeks to improve after recent T20I defeats.