Cheteshwar Pujara believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be given a pathway into Test cricket, arguing that the longer format can sharpen a young player’s temperament and technical temperament—while also earning the kind of respect that only Test performances tend to command. Pujara’s comments come after Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise since his IPL debut in 2025, and especially following his increased role in RR’s XI in IPL 2026 after Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings.
Why Pujara wants Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Tests
Pujara, speaking on JioHotstar, said Sooryavanshi’s India call-up is “upcoming,” but added that, regardless of whether the youngster plays Tests immediately or not, the longer format should remain firmly on every young player’s radar.
- Pujara said Vaibhav is already thriving in T20 cricket and that an India opportunity should come if he keeps progressing.
- He argued that Test cricket builds temperament, improves a player’s overall ability, and contributes to the respect players receive from peers, experts, and fans.
- He stressed that opportunity, time, and the right chance to express his game are key factors for a young batter to step into Tests.
White-ball specialists and the case for format-specific roles
While backing the importance of Tests, Pujara also clarified that the argument should not be read as a dismissal of white-ball specialists. He suggested that players like Vaibhav and Shreyas Iyer—if they are excelling in limited-overs cricket—should still be considered for the format that best suits their skill set.
- Pujara agreed that Test cricket is the “ultimate format,” but said it doesn’t follow that white-ball specialists lack the ability to succeed elsewhere.
- He pointed to Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi) and Shreyas Iyer as examples of players who can be selected for the format they fit best.
- He concluded that different players may naturally suit different formats, and selection should reflect that.
RR’s situation, Vaibhav’s IPL 2026 numbers, and Lara-style comparisons
After RR’s previous match ended in defeat to Delhi Capitals, Sooryavanshi was dismissed early—departing for 4 runs off 2 balls. Ahead of the next fixture, RR will take on Gujarat Titans on Saturday, with Sooryavanshi hoping to make amends.
- RR sit fourth in the points table, having won six matches and lost four so far.
- Sooryavanshi has accumulated 404 runs across 10 games at an average of 40.40.
- His strike rate stands at 237.64 in IPL 2026.
- He has scored one century and two fifties in the tournament.
- He is currently fifth in the Orange Cap standings.
Beyond the figures, Sooryavanshi’s self-belief and confidence have been a standout feature this season. His backlift has also drawn attention, with comparisons being made to Brian Lara. Speaking recently to Doordarshan, the youngster shared his mindset and goals for the Indian senior team.
Sooryavanshi on his dream and India focus
In his comments, Sooryavanshi said that as long as he stays at the crease and uses his skills to dominate, he believes he can take control of matches away from opponents. He also discussed talking to his father about progressing toward his larger ambitions.
- Sooryavanshi said that whenever he is on the ground and using his skills to dominate, he can “snatch the match” from opponents’ hands.
- He noted that his father told him he has already achieved half of the dream, but there is still half left to complete.
- He added that he wants to play in the World Cup for the senior Indian team.
- He said the shared goal of every player is to represent the seniors, play for India, and win for the country.
- He described his current focus as playing for India.
