Sachin Tendulkar Virat Kohli Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Devajit Saikia for India. Image Credits: AFP
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received his maiden international cap just a couple of months ago during India’s white-ball tour of England. However, the 15-year-old failed to justify his debut call-up, as the cricketer scored just 42 runs in three innings of the series.
While Sooryavanshi came into his own during India’s subsequent tour of Zimbabwe, questions still linger over the youngster’s ability to excel in international cricket following his success in the IPL, U19 and domestic cricket.
It now appears that the BCCI itself is keeping a close eye on the young lad from Bihar, as confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. Speaking to reporters, Saikia said that the Indian board wants Sooryavanshi to serve the country in the same manner as former teenage prodigy and all-time great Sachin Tendulkar.
BCCI monitoring Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, says Devajit Saikia
While speaking with the reporters after a meeting on September 3, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia indirectly claimed that the board wants teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to become the next Sachin Tendulkar for Team India.
He said “We want Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or any player of his stature to continue and serve as Sachin Tendulkar did for the country or other players who in the past became legends.”
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Saikia also stated that the BCCI is closely monitoring the youngster’s development and progress in international cricketer in a bid to keep an eye on his future
He added “So we look at Vaibhav in a very serious manner. He’s monitored from every angle and every step he is taking forward in his international career. The BCCI is taking a very close look at his future.”
Sooryavanshi urged not to be a “one-season wonder” of IPL
After making his IPL debut halfway into 2025 season last year, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played the entirety of IPL 2026 season for the Rajasthan Royals franchise.
In 16 innings of the tournament, the explosive left-handed opener rained down 776 runs at a prolific average of 48.50 and with a staggering strike rate of 237.30.
While Sooryavanshi fittingly bagged the ‘Orange Cap’ award, the BCCI is still very cautious over the youngster’s future, with Devajit Saikia urging him to not become a “one season wonder” like many other players in the past.
He said “We are very cautious that every right step he should take forward so that it should not be a one-series or one-year wonder.”
How has Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fared for Team India so far?
Having proven his fearlessness in IPL, Under-19 and in domestic cricket, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received his maiden Team India cap in England just a couple of months ago. However, in three innings of the series, the cricketer scored just 42 runs at a dismal average of 14.
The Bihar-based opener then toured Zimbabwe and bagged the ‘Player of the Series’ award for minting 151 runs in three innings with two match-winning fifties. Overall, he has registered 193 runs in six innings for India at an average of 32.16.
Sooryavanshi torn between India preparation and Duleep Trophy final
For the time being, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is currently torn between a shot at Duleep Trophy, and for training with the Indian team for their upcoming ‘away’ series against Afghanistan.
While the Duleep Trophy 2026 final will be played between September 6 and September 10, the youngster is also named in India squad for the T20Is against Afghanistan, and the team’s preparation for the same is set to commence from September 9 onwards in Delhi.
As per reports, national head coach Gautam Gambhir will determine if the 15-year-old will play for his East Zone team or join the Team India squad.
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