“Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all thr – Can Play all: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all thr

The Rise of a Teenage Phenomenon

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern cricket, few names have generated as much buzz as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation has set the IPL 2026 season ablaze with his aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his years. While fans and pundits are currently mesmerized by his blistering performances in the T20 arena, senior Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan believes this is only the beginning for the young prodigy. According to Sarfaraz, “Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all thr-ee formats, asserting that the youngster possesses the temperament and skill to dominate both red-ball and white-ball cricket.

A Glimpse into the Past

Sarfaraz Khan’s confidence in Sooryavanshi is not a reactionary take based solely on recent IPL highlights. The connection dates back to January 2024, when Sooryavanshi made his First-Class debut for Bihar against a formidable Mumbai side at the tender age of 12 years and 284 days. Despite the result of that match, Sarfaraz, who was part of the opposition, immediately recognized the raw talent and technical aptitude embedded in the youngster’s game.

“He’s a very good friend of mine, and we stay in touch. I first saw him during that Ranji debut, and even then, I could see that he had great skill,” Sarfaraz noted during a recent promotional event. This early recognition underscores the consistency that Sooryavanshi has maintained throughout his meteoric rise.

Breaking Records and Defining Excellence

Sooryavanshi’s resume is already decorated with accomplishments that seem impossible for someone his age. His journey has been defined by speed and power:

• Youth Cricket Dominance: He finished as the second-highest run-getter in the Under-19 World Cup, highlighted by a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls in the final against England.
• List-A Stardom: In the December 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he smashed a 36-ball century and recorded the fastest 150 in List-A history, finishing with 190 runs off just 84 deliveries.
• Youth Test Records: He holds the record for the second-fastest century in Youth Test history.

These numbers are not merely statistics; they are evidence of a player who adapts his aggressive nature to the demands of different formats. Whether it is the patience required in red-ball cricket or the explosive intent needed for T20s, Sooryavanshi appears to have cracked the code early.

The Mindset of a Champion

While natural talent is abundant in the Indian domestic circuit, Sarfaraz Khan points to something more elusive as the reason for Sooryavanshi’s inevitable success: his mindset. Sarfaraz emphasizes that preparation and mental clarity are what set the teenager apart from his peers.

“His mindset and preparation are different. Anyone can succeed with hard work, but he has worked extremely hard on his game,” Sarfaraz remarked. This dedication was on full display during the IPL 2026 season, where Sooryavanshi claimed the Orange Cap with 776 runs in 16 matches at a staggering strike rate of 237. With 72 sixes to his name, he has redefined the standards of power-hitting in the tournament.

Looking Ahead: An International Future

As the IPL campaign concludes for the Rajasthan Royals—despite a valiant 96 off 47 balls from the teenager in his final outing—the discourse has shifted toward his potential inclusion in the Indian national squad. With reports suggesting an ODI call-up for the upcoming tour of England, the cricket board is likely assessing how to integrate such a rare talent into the international setup.

Sarfaraz Khan’s endorsement serves as a strong testament to the locker-room respect Sooryavanshi has already earned. As he prepares for the next phase of his career, the focus remains on his ability to transition his domestic dominance onto the global stage. If his track record is any indication, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not just a fleeting sensation, but a cornerstone of the future of Indian cricket.