Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has thrown his support behind teenage batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, arguing that what a player produces at the highest level should weigh more than his age. Dhawan pointed to Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting, particularly against elite pace bowling, and said such composure is uncommon for someone so early in their career.
Key takeaways
- Shikhar Dhawan believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s senior-level output should be judged more than his youth.
- Dhawan highlighted the rarity of a teenager showing confidence against top-class bowlers, citing big hits off Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
- In IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has registered 400 runs at a strike rate of 238.10.
- Sooryavanshi has also struck 37 sixes in IPL 2026, the most by any batter so far.
- Dhawan warned that breaking into a settled India top order can be difficult, especially when current performers are in form.
- He noted that modern T20 batting has shifted towards aggression, while still requiring solid technique and the right mindset for format changes.
Dhawan’s backing for Sooryavanshi
Dhawan’s endorsement centered on the idea that performances at the senior level must count, regardless of age. While acknowledging that Sooryavanshi is still a “kid,” Dhawan said it is remarkable to see him clear the ropes with such ease against world-class bowlers.
In his comments, Dhawan stressed that the teenager’s impact has come against quality opposition, pointing out that it is not often that major names fail to deliver the same kind of numbers at such an early stage. Dhawan also insisted that Sooryavanshi’s opportunities are likely to arrive as his career progresses.
Sooryavanshi, Dhawan noted, has backed the praise with tangible returns in IPL 2026. He has already amassed 400 runs, doing so at a strike rate of 238.10. Alongside the run tally, he has been at his most dangerous in the power-hitting department, smashing 37 sixes—an IPL 2026 high so far.
The India top-order hurdle and the evolving T20 mindset
Even with an impressive league season, Dhawan admitted that securing a place in India’s established batting order remains a major hurdle. He referenced India’s recent success in the 2026 T20 World Cup and the strong form of players such as Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, suggesting that replacing in-form top-order batters is rarely straightforward.
Dhawan compared the situation to his own era, explaining that when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were playing, it took nearly a decade for the team composition to shift. In his view, the challenge can “pinch” a player mentally, but it should not lead to discouragement if chances do not come immediately.
Dhawan also discussed how T20 batting has changed over the years. He pointed out that the emphasis has moved towards striking with greater aggression now, whereas earlier coaching advice focused more on driving the ball along the ground. He added that Sooryavanshi’s defensive play stood out to him as well—specifically the way the youngster defends close to his body, indicating that power hitting does not have to come at the cost of technique.
On adjusting between formats, Dhawan underlined that mindset is crucial. He said technique must remain sharp, but switching gears—knowing when to accelerate and when to slow down—requires match practice and a mental shift. With the current generation growing up primarily in T20 cricket, Dhawan suggested they may face additional hurdles when adapting to other styles of play.
