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 2026 Indian Premier League season has witnessed the meteoric rise of a young talent who has left cricket experts and fans stunned. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, currently topping the batting charts with over 600 runs, has become the talk of the cricketing world. His ability to dominate high-pressure scenarios was on full display during the IPL Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he smashed a breathtaking 97 runs off just 29 balls. As the Rajasthan Royals prepare for their Qualifier 2 clash against the Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh, the conversation surrounding Sooryavanshi has shifted from his potential to his immediate readiness for international cricket.
Gavaskar’s Bold Endorsement
Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has been one of the most vocal supporters of the youngster. In a recent interaction, Gavaskar urged the national selection committee to disregard the birth certificate and focus entirely on the destruction the young batter is causing on the field. The veteran believes that Sooryavanshi is not just a prospect, but a ready-made asset for the Indian T20 side.
“He is ready for T20 cricket. He is absolutely ready,” Gavaskar stated. “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?”
Age is Just a Number in T20 Cricket
Gavaskar argues that the modern T20 game rewards intent and fearlessness over experience, attributes that Sooryavanshi possesses in abundance. Addressing critics who might point to the youngster’s age as a deterrent, Gavaskar noted that the batter is consistently dismantling world-class bowlers who have significantly more experience than him.
“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 added. He highlighted that the lack of fear in Sooryavanshi’s approach is what sets him apart. While established players often prioritize defense as their careers progress, the youngster maintains a mindset free of inhibition, looking to attack from the very first ball.
Technique Meets Power
Beyond the aggressive intent, Gavaskar was quick to clarify that Sooryavanshi should not be labeled merely as a ‘slogger.’ There is a fundamental difference between mindless swinging and controlled, powerful hitting—a distinction the youngster clearly understands.
“He is a hitter but not a slogger,” Gavaskar explained. “He has a good technique. He plays with a straight bat, which is the reason behind his success.” The ability to hit the ball straight over the bowler’s head requires both timing and a solid foundation, traits that have fueled his massive run tally this season.
The Path Forward
As the Men in Blue look ahead to their series against England in July, the question of squad composition remains central. While selectors have yet to signal an interest in the youngster, his performance on the biggest stage of domestic cricket is becoming impossible to ignore. Gavaskar concluded with a piece of advice for the rising star: “The child within his batting style should never grow old. Let that child remain a child because it gives joy.”
With his fearless demeanor, technical sound base, and an insatiable appetite for runs, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi represents the new, aggressive face of Indian cricket. Whether or not the selectors decide to draft him into the squad for the upcoming England tour remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he has already proven that he belongs in the conversation for the highest level of the sport.
