Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Test Success Not Guaranteed, Ajinkya Rahane Explains Why

Ajinkya Rahane speaks against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Test future | PC- AFP

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the talk of the town ever since the 15-year-old kid made his T20I debut in England. Later, he brought the world to its feet while he smashed the bowlers during India’s tour of Zimbabwe last month.

After the BCCI fast-tracked the prodigal batter to T20I cricket based on his IPL wonders, there has been a wave in the cricketing fraternity and among fans to watch Sooryavanshi in the longer formats as well.

Ajinkya Rahane urges patience over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Test prospect

The recently-retired Ajinkya Rahane has given a bold statement on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s future, especially in the Test format, on the Stick to Cricket podcast with former English cricketers Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, Phil Tufnell and David Lloyd. 

When asked about the same, the Test specialist asked everyone to not put added pressure on the teenager by emphasising on the difficulity level international cricket brings as compared to IPL.

"It’s tough to say right now; it’s tough to comment. I don’t want to say anything and put unnecessary pressure on the young kid, because people are already talking a lot about him. He has played two IPL seasons, but what I have realised is IPL and international cricket are completely different. The pressure is completely different while representing your country," Ajinkya Rahane said on Stick to Cricket podcast.

Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane Never Got Credit, Likened To Rahul Dravid After Retirement

Furthermore, the former India captain compared chasing 70 runs in the death overs in the IPL to doing the same in international cricket. 

"For example, when you’re chasing 70 runs in the last four to five overs in the IPL, it is easy, but chasing the same while representing your country is different. Let him play his game; let him enjoy. What he needs is the right guidance; that’s where family’s role comes in. His folks would have to tell him about the road five to 10 years down the line," the former Indian captain added.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's brief T20I journey

After having a stellar IPL 2026, where the explosive Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed 776 runs at a whopping strike rate of nearly 240, he was added in the Indian T20I squad for the UK tour. After missing his chances in Ireland, the swashbuckler made his debut at Manchester. 

Although he couldn't make it count in his debut series, Sooryavanshi returned with the Player of the Series award during the three-match series in Zimbabwe, racking up 151 runs in three games.

As he had some success, former legends Farokh Engineer and Robin Uthappa have spoke highly and demanded for his promotion to the longer formats. 

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to serve as Ishan Kishan's deputy in Duleep Trophy

In other news, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will next be seen on the field later this month in the Duleep Trophy 2026, representing East Zone's team. He will not only open the innings but also serve as Ishan Kishan's deputy in the important Indian domestic tournament.

Along with Kishan and Sooryavanshi, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Anukul Roy are a part of the star-studded team.

East Zone will kickstart the tournament when they face North East Zone in the multi-team tournament at the BCCI’s CoE on August 23. 

Also Read: Bangladesh Confirmed To Play Separate Tournament In Australia During Test Series