EXPLAINED: Why Vaibhav Suryavanshi Cannot Play For Team India At T20 World Cup 2026

EXPLAINED: Why Vaibhav Suryavanshi Cannot Play For Team India At T20 World Cup 2026? Photo : AP

Rajasthan Royals ' 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi created ripples across the cricketing world when he slammed a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans (GT). He has smashed multiple records, and even caught the eye of current Team India players, including captain Rohit Sharma, who was all praise for the youngster. His coach also predicted that Suryavanshi will make his India debut sooner rather than later. However, an ICC clause prevents the 14-year-old from making his India debut at this moment.

Why Vaibhav Suryavanshi Cannot Play T20 World Cup 2026?

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is currently 14 years and 34 days old. The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be held in February-March in India and Sri Lanka. By then, the RR youngster would not have turned 15.

According to an ICC law that was introduced in 2020, a player cannot play an international match before he turns 15. Suryavanshi will celebrate his 15th birthday on March 27, 2026. Hence, he cannot play the T20 World Cup 2026.

However, there is a provision that a player can make a debut before turning 15 years old, if he has demonstrated 'sufficient experience, mental maturity, and physical readiness' at his age. In that case, the BCCI has to write to the ICC and seek for permission for Vaibhav Suryavanshi. If the apex cricketing body approves, then only Suryavanshi can make his debut before the T20 World Cup.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Creates History Vs GT

Vaibhav Suryavanshi slammed 101 runs from 37 balls against Gujarat Titans in a dazzling innings studded with 7 fours and 11 massive sixes. He thus becomes the youngest player in history to slam a century in T20 cricket, and also in the IPL.

Suryavanshi hit his century in 35 balls against the Gujarat Titans. This was the fastest century by an Indian in the history of the IPL. This was also the second-fastest ton overall in the IPL after Chris Gayle's 30-ball hundred against Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013.

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