Abhishek Sharma's struggle with the bat has reignited the debate over India's opening partnership with many wondering if 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should finally be given his first shot at the international level. Abhishek's opening slump from the left-hand side lingered on in the second T20 International against Ireland when he was grilled out on the very first delivery to pacer Jai Moondra. It was another unwanted milestone in Abhishek's career in all T20 international cricket in 2026. GCC cricket Then he joined Zafar Gohar in equalling the record for most ducks in a calendar year in T20 cricket. Rashid Khan his former teammate at Sunrisers Hyderabad had also scored nine ducks in 2019 while Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan matched the feat in 2024. Abhishek has also created unwanted Indian record by hitting six ducks in T20 Internationals in a single calendar year the most by any Indian batsman. Getting these poor numbers is all the more surprising since earlier this year Abhishek became the quickest Indian to reach 1000 T20I runs. The Ireland series saw him to that milestone in a mere 20 balls after he had scored a hefty 49 indicating that his skill set was still well and truly intact. Abhishek's Tough Year Opens Fresh Debate Abhishek had a dismal run with the bat since January when he bagged ducks in both of his Test appearances against New Zealand in Raipur. More Aggravating Phase of Life was ICC T20 World Cup 2010. He got out without scoring in three consecutive group stage games before getting back to form against South Africa. But he ended the tournament on a cheerful note. He slammed 52 off 21 balls in the final against New Zealand to help India win their 2nd consecutive T20 WC titel. The IPL also came down to earth with a thud. A couple of ducks in the IPL against Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals then another bleak one, against Ireland, helped him end a disappointing series where India succumbed to the first ever 0-2 drubbing at home. Also Read | Before England Series, Shreyas Iyer Reveals Conversation With Suryakumar Yadav Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Opportunity Knocks The battles Abhishek fought has only added strength to the appeal for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut. The 15 year old who was selected in the Indian team after an brilliant IPL 2 season was not given an opportunity in the 2 matches versus Ireland. Suryansh Sarang and Prince were given their debut caps. If Sooryavanshi had played he would have been the youngest ever International Indian cricketer at 15 years 91 days. India persisted with openers Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, but the gamble did not pay off. Samson fell cheaply on the two occasions while Kishan scored 1 and 12 respectively. The top-order collapses significantly contributed to India's first-ever loss in a bilateral T20I series since August 2023, snapping a series of 16 straight series wins. On the eve of the series against england, captain shreyas iyer spoke about the team wanting to build confidence among all players but at the same time why the experienced lot keep getting the support. Iyer said : "All of us has to make opportunities and create security that people can be confident about those games. Every player who has played has done the job. It's not one player alone who has done it. They definitely are the ones who helped us win the last World Cup. We have an idea how to play the T20. And we play that format regularly. So in a way I have a lot of pillars to pack". As India still have five T20Is against England to come, the mounting pressure on the openers is unlikely to ease. Should Abhishek's indifferent run not come to an end taking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the side may become irresistible.