Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Set for India Debut? Ravi Shastri Backs Young Star for Ireland Series
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Next Big Thing in Indian Cricket?
The cricketing world is abuzz with the name Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At barely 16, the young opener has defied expectations, silenced doubters, and announced himself as a serious contender for the Indian national team. With a string of explosive performances in the IPL and a match-winning contribution in the U19 World Cup, Sooryavanshi isn’t just a rising star—he’s a supernova in motion.
From IPL Sensation to International Contender
In IPL 2025, Sooryavanshi burst onto the scene with over 250 runs, including a century and a half-century, for the Rajasthan Royals. Critics speculated it was a flash in the pan—a young talent who might struggle against more experienced bowlers in his second season.
They were wrong.
In IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi didn’t just survive—he thrived. In 11 matches, he amassed 440 runs at a staggering strike rate of 236.56. His 40 sixes lit up stadiums and shattered records. Most notably, he slammed a 36-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad—the third-fastest in IPL history—just one ball shy of his own 35-ball ton from the previous season.
U19 World Cup Heroics
His dominance isn’t limited to the franchise circuit. Sooryavanshi played a pivotal role in India’s U19 World Cup 2024 triumph. In the final against England U19, he bludgeoned 175 runs, dismantling the opposition and helping India post a mammoth total over 400. His innings wasn’t just about runs—it was a statement of intent.
Ravi Shastri: “Door is Three-Fourths Open”
Former India coach and renowned commentator Ravi Shastri has been one of Sooryavanshi’s strongest advocates. Speaking on the ICC Review, Shastri made his stance clear:
“The door would be three-fourths open. I can tell you that, for sure. If you want to encourage someone young and get them into the setup quickly, the T20 format is the way. This guy can walk into a lot of sides in world cricket right now. Just look at the exuberance of youth—it’s written all over his face.”
Shastri believes the upcoming two T20Is in Ireland—part of a larger tour that includes five games in England—would be the perfect platform for Sooryavanshi’s debut.
“Is he 14? 15? 16? I don’t care. I see how he’s taking on bowlers twice his age and not flinching. He’s very much in the reckoning. When tours like Ireland come up, I’d be looking at him straight away,” Shastri added.
BCCI Already Building His Pathway
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appears to be on the same page. Sooryavanshi has already been named in the Tilak Varma-led India A squad, set to compete in an ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka this June against Afghanistan A and the hosts. The move signals a clear intent: integrate him into the national system early and assess him under pressure.
What’s Next for Sooryavanshi?
While the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 may be the long-term goal, Shastri’s endorsement and the Ireland tour present a realistic short-term opportunity. If selected, Sooryavanshi would become one of India’s youngest ever international players.
With fearless shot-making, mental resilience, and growing experience against elite competition, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi isn’t just the future of Indian cricket—he’s knocking on the door of the present.
And if Ravi Shastri has anything to say about it, that door won’t stay closed much longer.
