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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Earns India A Call-Up: Sanjiv Goenka Praises Young Star

Ronav Bailey · · 4 min read

A Rising Star Takes the Next Step

The landscape of Indian cricket is witnessing the rapid ascent of a new prodigy. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage batting sensation, has officially been named in the 15-member India A squad for the upcoming ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka. This milestone marks a significant reward from the BCCI selection committee, recognizing the consistency and sheer flair the young left-handed batter has displayed on the domestic and IPL stage.

Led by the dynamic Tilak Varma, the India A unit is set to square off against Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A in a highly anticipated tournament. The series, which spans seven matches, serves as a vital platform for emerging talents to prove their mettle in international conditions, culminating in the final on June 21 at the iconic Ranagiri Dambulla International Stadium.

IPL 2026: A Breakthrough Season

Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the national setup comes as no surprise to those who have followed his journey through the 2026 Indian Premier League. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, he has established himself as an indispensable part of the franchise’s top order. Forming a potent opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, the teenager has been the engine room for the Royals this season.

The statistics reflect a player well beyond his years. With 440 runs under his belt at an impressive average of 40 and a blistering strike rate of 236.56, Sooryavanshi has transitioned from a promising prospect to a bona fide match-winner. His ability to clear the ropes and maintain an aggressive tempo has sparked widespread calls from fans and experts alike to fast-track him into the senior national team setup.

Sanjiv Goenka’s High Praise

Among those impressed by the youngster’s meteoric rise is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka. Taking to social media, Goenka offered a heartfelt congratulatory message, acknowledging the dedication required for such a young player to excel at the highest level of T20 cricket.

Goenka highlighted the narrative arc of Sooryavanshi’s career, noting his rapid evolution from his IPL debut just a year ago to his stellar performance at the U19 World Cup, where he scored a match-defining 175 in the final and was subsequently named Player of the Tournament. Goenka stated on X, “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection for the India A squad should be celebrated for many reasons… In just a year, he has shown incredible talent, fearlessness and the hunger to keep getting better. Make India proud.” The business tycoon also took the opportunity to commend Ayush Badoni, who also secured a spot in the squad alongside Sooryavanshi.

The Strategy Behind the Scenes

While Sooryavanshi is currently a contracted player for the Rajasthan Royals—signed for INR 1.10 crore—the buzz surrounding his talent continues to grow. As franchises like the Lucknow Super Giants evaluate their squads after back-to-back group-stage eliminations, the focus remains on building a core capable of securing the IPL trophy. With the next auction cycle approaching, there is no doubt that high-impact players like Sooryavanshi are constantly being tracked by team owners and scouting departments.

Whether he remains with the Royals or becomes a key target for other franchises looking to revamp their rosters, one thing is clear: the future of Indian cricket is in capable, aggressive hands. For now, the focus for the 15-year-old remains on the upcoming challenge in Sri Lanka. As he dons the India A jersey, the pressure will be on to prove that his IPL success was merely the beginning of a long and storied international career.

The cricketing world will undoubtedly be watching Dambulla closely, waiting to see if the teenage sensation can translate his explosive white-ball prowess onto the international stage. With his technical foundation and clear-headed approach, Sooryavanshi represents the new generation of Indian batting—fearless, hungry, and ready to dominate.

Ronav Bailey

Ronav Bailey is a senior cricket correspondent with The Hindu, covering Indian cricket and international tournaments for over 15 years. Known for his incisive match reports, long-form features on cricketing culture, and data-driven analysis, he has reported from three ICC Cricket World Cups and multiple IPL seasons. A regular voice on cricket podcasts and television panels, Bailey brings a nuanced understanding of South Asian cricket politics, player development, and the shifting dynamics between traditional formats and T20 leagues. A Chennai-based journalist, he is also the author of Cover Drives and Carrom Balls: The Changing Face of Indian Cricket. His writing blends sharp observation with a deep respect for the game's subcontinental roots.