India Planning To Turn Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Into An All-Rounder

India makes future plans for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi [Source: AP]

In a striking revelation, India’s bowling coach hinted at using 15-year-old batting phenomenon Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a bowler in the future. This remark left the fans confused and bewildered.

Vaibhav made waves in the IPL 2026 with a record-breaking season. He later made his debut for the senior cricket team in the England series but failed to make an impact.

However, Sooryavanshi redeemed himself quickly by scoring an 18-ball half-century in the first T20I against Zimbabwe.

A new role awaits Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Having said that, apart from his batting exploits, the Indian management is apparently thinking of turning the kid into an all-rounder. In a recent press conference, India’s stand-in bowling coach Sunil Joshi said the team sees potential in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a bowling option.

"Vaibhav has been very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time for his bowling, I'll work with him in the CoE. Whenever we will see him bowling well, we'll definitely and quickly focus on that,” Joshi said.

Hence, they plan to work with him at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru whenever there is an opportunity. This means India wants to gradually groom him into a part-time all-rounder, rather than rushing him into bowling at the international level.

"I think the first thing is, let's focus on his batting. He's been sensational, and I'm glad that he has done well. This is a hunting ground for him. He performed well in the U19 World Cup finals here,” he added.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s bowling record

Interestingly, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a part-time left-arm off-spinner with minimal experience in domestic cricket. He has 2 wickets to his name in first-class cricket.

Even in List A cricket, he has bowled in 3 innings, conceding 56 runs. In T20s, Vaibhav bowled in 2 games but couldn’t get a wicket. As far as IPL is concerned, the 15-year-old is yet to try his hand at bowling.

But overall, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is someone who has absolutely no experience in bowling. If groomed well enough, he can turn into a part-time spinner in the future, which will add flexibility to the Indian lineup.

Moreover, with increased emphasis on all-rounders in Gautam Gambhir’s regime, Sooryavanshi’s bowling won’t come as a surprise.

Sunil Joshi opens up on Suryansh Shedge

During the press conference, Sunil Joshi also spoke about expectations from all-rounder Suryansh Shedge. He asked fans not to compare him with established all-rounders like Hardik Pandya or Shivam Dube.

According to Joshi, Shedge is still learning international cricket and India should be patient and continue backing him. 

"Look, we shouldn't compare. Suryansh is making his place in the Indian team. Hardik (Pandya) has made his place. Shivam (Dube) has also made his place. So, he's a rising talent. We have to persist with him. He's working on good things, and good areas. That's what we want in the T20 format."

Notably, the second T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played on Saturday, July 25 at the Harare Sports Club.

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