Vaibhav Sooryavanshi makes history at 15, but why isn't he the youngest ever?

India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (ANI Photo)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi etched his name into the history books on Saturday after becoming the second-youngest cricketer to debut in international cricket among Full Member nations when India handed the 15-year-old his maiden cap in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford.At 15 years and 99 days, Sooryavanshi surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing Indian record, which had stood since 1989 when the batting legend debuted at 16 years and 205 days against Pakistan in Karachi.Only Pakistan’s Hasan Raza, who made his international debut at 14 years and 227 days against Zimbabwe in 1996, sits above the Indian teenager on the all-time list. Sooryavanshi also moved ahead of Bangladesh’s Mohammad Sharif (15 years, 116 days), Pakistan great Mushtaq Mohammad (15 years, 124 days) and former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed (16 years, 127 days).Youngest to debut in International cricket (FM teams)14y 227d – Hasan Raza (PAK) vs ZIM, Faisalabad, 199615y 99d – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (IND) vs ENG, Manchester, 2026*15y 116d – Mohammad Sharif (BAN) vs ZIM, Harare, 200115y 124d – Mushtaq Mohammad (PAK) vs WI, Lahore, 195916y 127d – Aaqib Javed (PAK) vs WI, Adelaide, 198816y 205d – Sachin Tendulkar (IND) vs PAK, Karachi, 1989The occasion was filled with anticipation as one of India’s brightest young talents walked out to bat on the international stage for the first time. Although his stay lasted only 10 deliveries, Sooryavanshi provided a glimpse of his fearless approach.He scored 14 off 10 balls, striking two sixes and adding two singles before being stumped by Jos Buttler off the bowling of Will Jacks.His first maximum came against Jofra Archer, with the teenager using the pace and bounce to whip-scoop the England quick over the boundary. He followed it up with another six off Josh Tongue, launching the fast bowler over long-on with a shot reminiscent of the strokeplay that earned him his India call-up.England captain Harry Brook responded by introducing off-spinner Will Jacks, who deceived the youngster with a wide, loopy delivery. Sooryavanshi advanced down the track but failed to connect, allowing Buttler to complete the stumping.India posted 190/7 after Tilak Varma‘s late assault, but England chased down the target with four wickets in hand. Jacob Bethell anchored the chase with an unbeaten 76, while Harry Brook and Tom Banton also made significant contributions. Ravi Bishnoi’s expensive 17th over, which conceded 29 runs, proved decisive as England reached the target with an over to spare.Despite the defeat, the day belonged to Sooryavanshi from a historical perspective. At just 15 years and 99 days, he became India’s youngest-ever international cricketer and the second-youngest debutant in international cricket among Full Member nations, joining an exclusive list that has remained largely unchanged for decades.