Ignore his birth certificate: Gavaskar demands Team India’s debut for Sooryavans – Sunil Gavaskar Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Team India Call-up
A Star is Born in the IPL 2026
The cricket world is currently witnessing the meteoric rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a young batter who has taken the IPL 2026 season by storm. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi has been in stellar form, amassing over 600 runs and proving to be the backbone of his team’s qualification for Qualifier 2. His fearless approach at the crease was on full display during the Eliminator against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he smashed a blistering 97 runs off just 29 deliveries, effectively putting the opposition bowlers to the sword.
Gavaskar Urges Selectors to Look Beyond Age
The sheer impact of his performance has caught the eye of none other than batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. In a strong message to the national selectors, Gavaskar has urged them to disregard the birth certificate and focus purely on the talent and destructive capability the youngster possesses. According to the former Indian captain, Sooryavanshi is not just a prospect for the future, but a player ready to take on the rigors of international T20 cricket immediately.
Speaking on the matter, Gavaskar stated, “He is ready for T20 cricket. He is absolutely ready. When the team is picked for the England tour, Vaibhav should be there. He deserves to play for the Indian team, considering his performance. If you don’t give him a chance, then when will you consider him?”
The Fearlessness of Youth
Gavaskar argues that the standard of competition Sooryavanshi is currently dominating includes seasoned international players. “Don’t look at his age, as he is hitting fours and sixes against bowlers who are 15 years older than him. Even those who have dominated in international cricket are being sent into the stands,” Gavaskar remarked. He highlights that the defining characteristic of Sooryavanshi’s game is a total lack of fear, an approach that forces opposition bowlers onto the back foot from the very first delivery.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a young player, Gavaskar noted that modern youngsters prioritize attacking, high-reward shots over traditional defensive mindsets. He believes this is a positive evolution in the game, stating, “When we were kids, there was no fear on our minds. When you grow older, the defence becomes a key factor. We wanted to hit every ball in tennis-ball cricket.”
Technique and Temperament
While some critics might label a big hitter as a mere slogger, Gavaskar was quick to defend Sooryavanshi’s technical proficiency. He emphasized that there is a distinct difference between slogging and the calculated hitting displayed by the youngster. “He is a hitter but not a slogger. There is a difference between the two aspects of the game,” Gavaskar explained, noting that the young batter’s ability to play straight down the ground is the bedrock of his success. By maintaining a straight bat, Sooryavanshi is able to generate immense power while staying balanced, a hallmark of a sound cricketing technique.
Looking Ahead to the England Series
With the Indian team set to compete against England in July, the conversation regarding team selection is intensifying. While the selectors have remained quiet regarding the inclusion of the young sensation, Gavaskar’s intervention has certainly turned up the pressure. He believes that preserving the ‘childlike’ innocence and aggressive intent in Sooryavanshi’s batting is crucial for his continued success. “Let that child remain a child because it gives joy,” he concluded.
Whether the selectors decide to fast-track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the squad or continue to demand more experience remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: a cricket legend has seen enough to believe that the future of Indian batting is knocking loudly on the door of international recognition.
