Can India Afford to Overlook Sooryavanshi Any Longer?

At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has etched his name in cricket history as the youngest player to score a century in the IPL, achieving this feat a mere nine days after making his debut at the age of 14 in 2025. Continuing his exceptional trajectory, Sooryavanshi has sparked intense debate about his potential inclusion in the international arena. His debut IPL season was marked by a remarkable 35-ball hundred, and he has sustained this impressive form in the 2026 edition, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to excel on the biggest stages with the Rajasthan Royals. Sooryavanshi has already achieved two 15-ball fifties, against the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and stands as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 200 runs from five innings at a strike rate of 263.15. Although a golden duck in Monday's defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad reminded everyone of his humanity, Sooryavanshi's ball-striking power, physical presence, and composure at the crease far surpass his age, leaving seasoned professionals in awe. India and Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel praised Sooryavanshi, saying, "We just cannot believe how someone can hit like that. He is a great talent and we feel good that he is in our team. When you go in, and Vaibhav is smashing every ball, you tend to think nothing is happening on the wicket. Cricket is not as easy as he's playing." With potential international teammates like Jurel singing his praises, the question on everyone's mind is how long India can afford to ignore Sooryavanshi. Given India's wealth of emerging talent and their T20 side's recent World Cup victory, it remains to be seen whether selectors will choose to alter a winning formula. However, every so often, a player emerges who is too special to be overlooked. Sooryavanshi appears to be in the same league as cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. His sensational 175 in the U19 World Cup final in February, which led India to a 100-run victory over England and a record sixth title, further demonstrated his ability to perform against the best. With a packed summer of white-ball fixtures ahead, Sooryavanshi has ample opportunity to make his international debut. If he is not given a chance in the upcoming multi-format series against Afghanistan, his breakthrough could come in the British Isles, where India will face Ireland and England in seven T20Is and three ODIs in June and July. Whether it happens this summer or not, it seems inevitable that Sooryavanshi will soon receive the call from India, putting the world of cricket on notice.