Ignore his birth certificate: Gavaskar demands Team India’s debut for Sooryavans – Sunil Gavaskar Backs Teenage Sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Team India Call-up
A Star is Born in IPL 2026
In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to capture the imagination of the cricketing fraternity as quickly as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. With over 600 runs in the 2026 season, the young prodigy has been instrumental in the Rajasthan Royals’ successful campaign, leading them to Qualifier 2 against the Gujarat Titans. His performance in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad—a breathtaking 97 runs off just 29 balls—has served as a definitive statement of his arrival on the big stage.
The Gavaskar Endorsement
Former Indian captain and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has been left thoroughly impressed by the youngster’s fearless approach. Speaking to Sports Tak, Gavaskar did not mince words regarding the selection criteria that should be applied to Sooryavanshi. “He is ready for T20 cricket. He is absolutely ready. When the team is picked for the England tour, Vaibhav should be there,” Gavaskar asserted.
The batting icon emphasized that the national selectors should prioritize talent and form over age. “Don’t look at his age, as he is hitting fours and sixes against bowlers who are 15 years older than him. Even those who have dominated in international cricket are being sent into the stands,” he noted. For Gavaskar, the lack of fear is the defining trait of Sooryavanshi’s game.
The Fearless Mindset
Gavaskar reflected on the evolution of a cricketer, noting that as players mature, the focus often shifts toward defensive technique, which can sometimes stifle the natural, aggressive instinct. “When we were kids, there was no fear on our minds. When you grow older, the defence becomes a key factor,” he explained. He strongly believes that Sooryavanshi should retain his childhood approach to the game: “The child within his batting style should never grow old. Let that child remain a child because it gives joy.”
Technique Over Slogging
A common misconception about power-hitters is that they rely purely on muscle and luck. Gavaskar was quick to clarify that Sooryavanshi is a technical master, not a mere slogger. “There is a difference between the two aspects of the game,” he said. The legend highlighted the youngster’s ability to maintain a straight bat, which provides the foundation for his clean hitting. By striking the ball directly over the bowler’s head, Sooryavanshi generates immense power without sacrificing the fundamental purity of his shots.
Looking Ahead to the England Tour
The Indian national team is scheduled to face England this July, and while the selectors have been hesitant to fast-track the teenager, the consensus among experts is growing. With a proven record in IPL 2026, a temperament that defies his years, and an arsenal of shots that can dismantle world-class bowling attacks, Sooryavanshi appears to be the breath of fresh air that the Men in Blue could utilize. Whether the selectors decide to heed Gavaskar’s advice or follow a more conservative path remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made his case impossible to ignore.
Why Age Should Not Be a Barrier
In modern cricket, where T20 leagues worldwide serve as the ultimate breeding ground for talent, the trend of introducing youngsters to international cricket early has yielded massive dividends for nations like Australia and South Africa. By integrating players like Sooryavanshi into the setup while their form is peaking, the team benefits from the ‘X-factor’ that only a fearless youth can provide. As Gavaskar concluded, “If you don’t give him a chance now, when will you consider him?”
