India's 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sunyavanshi remains on bench after early national team call‑up

Vaibhav Sunyavanshi, a 15‑year‑old all‑rounder, was selected for the Indian cricket team this year, prompting headlines that he could be the country's next superstar. Despite the promotion, he has not yet taken the field; he was named in the squad for two matches against Ireland and the opening T20 against England but stayed on the bench for all three games.

Cricket analysts and former selectors have debated whether the selection was a genuine talent investment or merely publicity. The discussion references past decisions, such as the early inclusion of Sachin Tendulkar, and highlights the importance of a rotation policy that balances experienced players with emerging prospects. The Indian team management now faces the choice of giving Sunyavanshi an on‑field opportunity or continuing to develop him off‑field as part of a longer‑term plan.