Can India Afford to Overlook Sooryavanshi, and Will He Make His Mark in England?
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history by becoming the youngest player to score a century in the Indian Premier League, achieving this remarkable feat a mere nine days after his record-breaking debut in 2025. Now, at the age of 15, Sooryavanshi continues to impress, sparking widespread calls for his promotion to the international stage. His debut IPL season was marked by a stunning 35-ball hundred, and he has consistently demonstrated his ability to thrive under pressure, showcasing his skills with the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 edition. With two 15-ball fifties against the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and a total of 200 runs from five innings at an impressive strike rate of 263.15, Sooryavanshi is currently the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Although a golden duck in a recent match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad served as a reminder of his mortality, Sooryavanshi's exceptional ball-striking power, physical presence, and composure at the crease have left seasoned professionals in awe. "We are amazed by his hitting ability; he is a great talent, and we feel fortunate to have him on our team," said Dhruv Jurel, India and Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batter. Sooryavanshi's potential has sparked debate about his potential selection for the Indian national team, particularly given the country's wealth of emerging talent and the recent T20 World Cup victory. However, with his impressive performances and natural ability, it is likely that Sooryavanshi will soon become an integral part of the team. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have all made a significant impact on the sport, and Sooryavanshi appears to be following in their footsteps. His impressive 175 in the U19 World Cup final against England in February, which helped India secure a record sixth title, is a testament to his exceptional skill. With a packed summer of white-ball fixtures on the horizon, Sooryavanshi may soon have the opportunity to make his international debut, potentially in the upcoming series against Afghanistan or in the UK against Ireland and England. Whether it happens this summer or not, it seems inevitable that Sooryavanshi will soon be called up to the Indian national team, and the world of cricket is eagerly awaiting his arrival.