Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Have A ‘Separate’ Dressing Room During India vs England Series? EXPLAINED

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise continues to capture the imagination of the cricketing world. After lighting up IPL 2026 with his fearless strokeplay and announcing himself as one of India’s brightest young talents, the 15-year-old is now on the verge of another historic milestone. Sooryavanshi is set to become India’s youngest-ever international cricketer when he takes the field in the opening T20I against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, before joining the squad for a five-match T20I series against England. His selection comes as a reward for a remarkable breakthrough season, but the teenager’s first overseas tour has also highlighted the unique challenges that come with being an exceptionally young professional athlete.

With Sooryavanshi grabbing the headlines, the England tour has now made it mandatory for the left-hander to have special safeguarding arrangements. According to a report by the Guardian, Sooryavanshi is set to use his own changing room in accordance with welfare protocols because of his age. The move underlines the unprecedented nature of his journey, as he prepares to represent India at just 15 years old. He will surpass Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at 16 years and 205 days in 1989, to become India’s youngest international cricketer.

But why will Sooryavanshi be using a separate dressing room?

Why Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Using A Separate Changing Room?

The upcoming India tour of England is an ICC event, and naturally, the body’s safeguarding procedures will be in force during the game. Along with ICC’s guidelines, ECB’s rules will also be in place, which prohibit players under-16 from using adult dressing rooms. Sooryavanshi will have his own facilities at all venues. His parents are also understood to be accompanying him on the tour.

“This is an ICC event, with their safeguarding procedures active as they have jurisdiction,” the ECB said, quoted by The Guardian. “A safeguarding concern occurring during the event may (in some circumstances) be managed by the ICC. In addition to this, the ECB Safe Hands policy applies at all times. The Cricket Regulator is in contact with the team liaison officer for the Indian team to discuss requirements and expectations for the player while he is in the UK,” the board added.

However, having a separate dressing room does not mean total isolation. The left-hander will be permitted inside the Indian dressing room during the game and attend the team talk as well. The rule will only be applicable while he is getting changed before and after each match.

Are These Rules Explicitly Applied On Sooryavanshi?

No, such measures fall under the standard operating procedures in English sport. Interestingly, in the past, Arsenal’s Max Dowman was also asked to use a separate locker room until he turned 16 in December. But such rules do not apply in India and are completely new for the young left-hander.