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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his debut in Manchester | Source - AFP
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is regarded as the new poster boy in Indian cricket. At 15 years and 99 days, the left-handed opener became the youngest ever to don an India shirt, as he made his debut last week against England at Old Trafford.
Even before his debut, Sooryavanshi had done enough to create a buzz around him. The teenager had a spectacular time in IPL 2026, smashing 776 runs at a breathtaking strike rate of 237.31.
The 15-year-old boy single-handedly took Rajasthan Royals to IPL finals, scoring back-to-back ninties in the knockouts. However, Gujarat Titans pulled off a hiest in Qualifier 2, as the Royals were denied entry in the finale.
The coming of age for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Since IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's life has changed upside down. The Bihar-born was initially added to the India A squad before being fast-tracked to play for the senior men's team.
After warming the bench in the first three matches on the UK tour, he replaced Sanju Samson to make his much-awaited debut in Manchester. Although he was dismissed for just 14 runs, Sooryavanshi smacked an unbelievable maximum off Jofra Archer, and then off Josh Tongue in his short stay.
During his maiden outing for Men in Blue, he showcased to the world that he is a reckless hitter but a thinking batter who adjusted well to the conditions as the ball was seaming.
Vikram Rathour calls Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as talented as Sachin Tendulkar
While affirming the same, Team India's former batting coach Vikram Rathour spoke highly of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's talent, calling him the equivalent of Sachin Tendulkar.
Currently serving as the assistant coach at Rajasthan Royals, Rathour has also worked with Virat Kohli in the Indian dressing room and played with Sachin Tendulkar back in the day.
“I have been extremely fortunate to play with Sachin Tendulkar, and he was an exceptional talent. I think this boy (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi) has come with such talent. I haven’t seen anyone hit the ball as cleanly and as far as he does, at that age, obviously,” Vikram Rathour said while chatting on Taruwar Kohli’s YouTube channel.
Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Told To Play 2027 ODI World Cup On 1 Condition
The Rajasthan coach further called Sooryavanshi an all-round player who can adapt to the situation, as he did during his 47-ball 96 against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026.
“He is not a one-dimensional player; he understands different situations and conditions. He has already shown us glimpses during Qualifier 2 against GT; he took his time early on a sticky wicket before smashing the bowlers later on," he added.
What's next for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a mediocre debut by his standards, and he will look to turn things around in the IND vs ENG 4th T20I at Nottingham. Moreover, Team India will also need to make a couple of changes, as they are in a do-or-die situation in the series.
The child prodigy will be with the Indian side for the next two matches before he flies back home, as he is not a part of the ODI squad. He will rejoin them for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, later in September-October.
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.jpg?type=mq "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi For 2027 ODI World Cup")
