As the ongoing IPL 2026 season is entering the final phase, there is massive excitement to see changes in India’s T20I side. There have already been reports of the BCCI mulling over splitting two T20I squads, and one name that is getting a lot of attention is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The young Rajasthan Royals sensation has already impressed everyone, and many feel his India debut is not far away. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already one of the top performers in the ongoing IPL 2026.
Key Points
- Ian Bishop backed a bold new India T20I opening pair featuring Shubman Gill and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- Bishop included Vaibhav, Gill and Prabhsimran Singh as opening options in his India T20I squad.
- He also backed experienced stars like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal for T20I recalls.
Ian Bishop suggests a bold opening idea featuring Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Amidst the IPL 2026, a bold idea of a new opening pair has been dropped by the West Indies legend Ian Bishop. He feels Shubman Gill is already doing well, and he deserves his chance in T20Is. Gill has been in great form for the Gujarat Titans, amassing 378 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of nearly 155.
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Now, pairing him with someone like Vaibhav could bring a nice balance. Bishop feels Gill’s calm and steady style would really complement Vaibhav’s fearless approach. India’s upcoming tour of Ireland in June could be the perfect chance to test this idea. Bishop has picked Vaibhav along with Gill and Prabhsimran Singh as opening options in his T20 squad.
Ian Bishop said on ESPNCricinfo’s “Quick Singles”: “You tell me if you disagree. I’m picking three openers in my squad. I want a left-right match-up as much as I can. Shubman Gill has been in good form, so I’ve gone with him. The left-hander is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. I think he is ready to take another step. And I’ve gone with Prabhsimran Singh. Priyansh Arya was in there as well, but I think Prabh has been in better form this season.”
Ian Bishop picks a strong middle order
The broadcaster picked the top IPL 2026 performers like Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal as good options for the middle order. For the wicketkeeper role, Dhruv Jurel got the nod ahead of Jitesh Sharma because of his better form with both bat and gloves.
He added, “I’m looking at Shreyas Iyer in the middle order, for obvious reasons. Rajat Patidar is another one who I think can make an impact, and Devdutt Padikkal, who has been sublime.”
Nitish Kumar Reddy was picked as the seam-bowling all-rounder by Bishop because he has been scoring runs and bowling really well at times for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets nod for India T20I recall
The former West Indies icon picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya along with Yuzvendra Chahal in his bowling attack. Bishop signed off by saying, “From a spinner’s point of view, my options are pretty much narrow, based on form at this juncture, but Krunal Pandya has been an important player.
And then for my genuine spinner, I have gone with the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, Yuzvendra Chahal. Seamer, who I love very much—Bhuvneshwar gets into my squad at 36 because he is bowling as well as he ever has.”
Ian Bishop’s alternate India T20I squad based on IPL 2026 form:
Shubman Gill, Prabhsimran Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal
