Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise in Indian cricket has made him one of the biggest talking points in recent times. The teenage batting sensation impressed everyone with his record-breaking performances in the IPL, leading to discussions about whether he could soon become a part of India’s Test setup.
The 15-year-old opener was selected for India’s tour of Ireland and England, where he made his international debut. However, his first few appearances in T20 cricket were not as spectacular as expected, as he scored 42 runs across three matches. During the England series, Sooryavanshi created history by becoming the youngest Indian player to make an international debut, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record.
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane believes it is too early to judge Sooryavanshi’s readiness for Test cricket. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket Podcast alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan, Rahane said the young batter should not be rushed and must be allowed to develop at his own pace.
Rahane pointed out that performances in the IPL and international cricket cannot be compared directly. He explained that playing for the country brings a different level of pressure and responsibility, which requires experience and mental preparation.
The veteran cricketer advised everyone to avoid creating excessive expectations around Sooryavanshi and allow him to focus on improving his skills. According to Rahane, the youngster has shown great potential but needs proper time and support to handle the challenges of international cricket.
Sooryavanshi’s journey so far has been extraordinary. He became the youngest player to score an IPL century with his hundred against Gujarat Giants and also played a crucial role in India’s Under-19 World Cup victory by scoring 175 runs in the final against England.
His IPL 2025 campaign was equally remarkable, with the Bihar-born batter scoring 776 runs in 16 innings at an incredible strike rate of 237.30. He became the first uncapped player to score more than 700 runs in a single IPL season and also registered the record for scoring 500 powerplay runs in a single T20 tournament edition.
Despite his impressive achievements, Rahane believes patience will be key in shaping Sooryavanshi’s career and ensuring he is fully prepared before making the transition to Test cricket.