Belfast: Sooryavanshi fever grips city as teen star shines in first India nets

By Sanjay Menon — 25 June 2026 — 3 min read

Teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has attracted significant attention during his initial net session with the senior Indian team in Belfast. The 15-year-old, who recently received his first official India jersey, is in line to become the country’s youngest international player, potentially surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record.

Sooryavanshi’s arrival in Belfast has generated considerable excitement among the local Indian community, with many turning up to watch him train. Despite some initial issues with practice facilities, the focus quickly shifted to the young batter, whose fluent strokeplay and confidence were evident during his extended batting stint.

Preparations in Belfast

India’s preparations for the Ireland T20Is began with concerns over sub-standard practice facilities in Belfast. Upon arrival, the team encountered issues, including one practice strip lacking a sightscreen behind the bowler’s arm, which made it difficult for batters to pick up the ball.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source confirmed that the Indian team’s support staff brought these issues to the attention of Irish officials. India’s operations manager discussed the matter with the hosts, and the arrangements were subsequently rectified before the session gained momentum.

Once the logistical challenges were addressed, attention turned to Sooryavanshi, the youngest member of the touring party. He appeared completely at ease during his first net session with the senior national side, despite the intense spotlight.

Sooryavanshi’s rising profile

Sooryavanshi’ was named in India’s T20 squad for tours to Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games. This call-up followed his impressive performance in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), where he swept the batting honours.

He could make his senior debut for India in Friday’s first T20 match against Ireland in Belfast. The young left-handed batter’s exploits in franchise cricket have made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country.

The BCCI released a video on Tuesday showing Sooryavanshi receiving his blue jersey, which featured his name above the number 03. In the video, he expressed his long-held dream of this moment, stating he could not explain the feeling in words.

The spotlight has been on Sooryavanshi since his batting performances in the IPL, where he amassed 776 runs for the Rajasthan Royals. He finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, earning the Orange Cap for the top run-getter.

During the IPL season, he scored one century and five half-centuries, showcasing his attacking strokes. His rapid rise through the ranks led to the Rajasthan Royals appointing Romi Bhinder as his guardian, who has accompanied him and the Royals’ representatives monitoring his progress on the international stage.

Bhinder was seen entering the Indian team hotel with Sooryavanshi’s parents, highlighting the support system around the young player. The enthusiasm among Non-Resident Indians in Belfast has been particularly notable, with many eager to secure photographs and autographs from the emerging star.

For Belfast, a city not typically accustomed to such cricket frenzy, the excitement surrounding the teenager’s arrival has been unusual. Sooryavanshi has found himself at the centre of attention wherever the team has travelled, seemingly unfazed by the growing expectations that accompany his every appearance.

He is set to potentially surpass Sachin Tendulkar, who made his Test debut at 16 years and 205 days in 1989, as India’s youngest international player.

Community engagement

Members of the Indian community in Belfast have turned out in large numbers to witness Sooryavanshi train. The frenzy surrounding the teenager has extended beyond the players, with enthusiastic fans even taking selfies with Romi Bhinder.

Sooryavanshi’s presence has generated significant local interest, with fans keen to catch a glimpse of the young talent. The net session, which progressed under pleasant Belfast conditions, saw Sooryavanshi continue to command attention.

His impressive performance in the nets, combined with his recent IPL success, has built anticipation for his potential debut. The young batter’s journey from holding a bat for the first time to receiving his India jersey marks a significant milestone in his career.

The excitement in Belfast underscores the impact Sooryavanshi has already made, even before his potential senior international debut against Ireland.

Source: aljazeera.com