Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has moved another step closer to a possible India debut after the BCCI named him in the India A squad for a tri-series in Sri Lanka. The competition, which also includes Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A, runs from June 9 to June 21. For Sooryavanshi, it is his first call-up to India A in the 50-over format.
Quick facts
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named in India A squad for the Sri Lanka tri-series.
- Tri-series dates: June 9 to June 21 in Sri Lanka.
- Opposition: Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A.
- It marks his first one-day (50-over) India A selection.
- He previously played for India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, which was held as a T20 tournament.
- Sooryavanshi is expected to be less likely to join India’s UK tour for two T20Is vs Ireland on June 26 and June 28.
- Tilak Varma will captain the India A side.
- Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag has been named vice-captain.
- Other squad members mentioned include Priyansh Arya, Suryansh Shedge and Prabhsimran Singh.
- The red-ball series squad is expected to be announced later.
- In the IPL this season, Sooryavanshi has 440 runs from 11 matches, including one century and two half-centuries.
This selection also comes with an interesting scheduling twist. Sooryavanshi is likely to miss the chance to travel to the UK for the pair of T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and June 28, given that the Sri Lanka tri-series is already set within that window. The move, however, could work in his favour if the BCCI views the one-day opportunity as part of a longer development plan.
In the India A setup, Tilak Varma is set to lead the group. The squad includes several other rising IPL talents, highlighted by Priyansh Arya and Riyan Parag from the Rajasthan Royals, with Parag named as vice-captain. Suryansh Shedge and Prabhsimran Singh are also among the players listed, with more names expected to be confirmed as the squad structure takes shape.
The next phase, meanwhile, is the red-ball leg of the programme. The India A squad for that series is expected to be announced in due course, leaving the door open for more players to earn roles across formats.
From India A to the senior team
For most young Indian cricketers, the natural ladder after representing India A is a promotion to the senior national side. Earlier reports had suggested the BCCI selection committee had shortlisted Sooryavanshi among the probables for the Ireland tour. Yet with only two matches on offer, making the trip from a logistics standpoint may not be the most sensible route for a player already engaged in another assignment.
At the same time, the picture could be more than just a scheduling decision. It is possible the BCCI’s thinking points to larger opportunities later, rather than an immediate test in the UK. Another factor in that conversation is that India A are also scheduled to play five T20Is against England in July, which means Sooryavanshi could still find a pathway to that engagement, even if only as part of the wider squad group.
Sooryavanshi’s rise has been difficult to fault so far. Since making his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals and producing a record-setting hundred, his momentum has not eased. He has also enjoyed a standout run with the India Under-19 team, where he struck centuries in England, Australia and South Africa.
The Under-19 journey peaked in a major way in the World Cup final, when he struck a blazing 175 to help India win their sixth title in the tournament. That knock further cemented his reputation as a batter who can carry pressure and produce in the biggest moments.
IPL form keeps building
His impact has continued in the ongoing IPL season. Sooryavanshi has piled up 440 runs across 11 matches, including one century and two half-centuries. With those numbers, the calls for his first India cap have grown stronger as the season progresses.
Over the past couple of months, support for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s maiden India selection has intensified, with former internationals backing him for an India opportunity. Michael Vaughan, Michael Clarke, Kris Srikkanth and Shikhar Dhawan have all thrown their weight behind the youngster. There has also been a contrasting view urging caution, with Carlos Brathwaite asking the BCCI to give the process time.
Even AB de Villiers has echoed the message of patience, stressing that Sooryavanshi still faces a rocky path before fully settling into the demands of international cricket. For now, the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka sets the stage for what could be the next chapter in his journey—one that may shape his route to the senior side in more ways than one.
