Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind teenage Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, suggesting the Rajasthan opener could be fast-tracked into India’s senior T20 group as soon as next month. Shastri believes the Ireland tour in June could provide the ideal platform to introduce the left-hander to international cricket, pointing to how confidently the youngster has been handling higher-quality opposition in recent months.
Key takeaways
- Ravi Shastri feels Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s senior India debut could come as early as next month.
- He urged selectors to use the T20 format to accelerate the youngster’s entry into the national setup.
- Shastri highlighted the upcoming Ireland tour in June as a potential window for Sooryavanshi’s introduction.
- Sooryavanshi’s IPL impact includes 440 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 236.56 for Rajasthan Royals.
- The teenager has been named in India A’s squad for the June tri-series in Sri Lanka that includes Afghanistan.
Shastri backs a quick promotion, age no obstacle
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri argued that Sooryavanshi has already done enough to merit an opportunity, adding that the selectors should not overthink his age. He framed it as a timing and format decision—if India wants to move a young talent into the system quickly, T20 cricket is the route that makes the most sense.
“The door would be three-fourths open,” Shastri said, explaining that the shortest path for youth to settle into international cricket is often through the demands and pace of T20 matches. He also insisted the youngster is nowhere near being outmatched by his physical maturity or game temperament.
Addressing the inevitable questions about whether Sooryavanshi is 15, 16, or even 14, Shastri said the number should not dictate selection. In his view, what matters is the way the batter is performing—taking on opponents repeatedly, including players who are far older, without showing fear or hesitation.
Shastri further suggested that Sooryavanshi’s style and confidence could translate across international teams. He pointed to the visible exuberance of youth as a positive sign, implying that the teenager’s energy is already evident in his batting approach.
Rapid rise after Under-19 World Cup success
Sooryavanshi’s ascent has been swift. Coming off India’s Under-19 World Cup win earlier this year, the left-handed batter has then made an immediate mark in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals. In the tournament so far, he has scored 440 runs in 11 innings, striking at 236.56—an output that has captured attention for its aggression and consistency.
His run includes a standout 36-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad, along with two additional fifties. He has also struck 40 sixes, a tournament-leading figure that underlines his ability to change games quickly, especially when opponents try to slow the scoring.
Ireland tour in June and India A tri-series could pave the way
Shastri said selectors should not delay once the chance to evaluate the teenager at the right level arrives. With tours of Ireland and other international programming coming up, he indicated he would look closely at Sooryavanshi immediately rather than waiting for a longer timeline.
“So I think he’s very, very much in the reckoning. And when you have tours of Ireland and all this happening now, I would be looking into him straight away,” Shastri said, linking the next step directly to the June schedule.
That pathway appears to be getting clearer. Sooryavanshi has received an India A call-up for the June tri-series in Sri Lanka, which also features Afghanistan. Shastri believes a strong showing in that competition could turn the prospect of a senior debut into a reality.
As the international calendar builds, Sooryavanshi’s momentum—from Under-19 glory to explosive IPL form and now India A involvement—sets up a compelling storyline for India’s selectors and for T20 cricket fans tracking the next potential breakout name.
