Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is continuing to turn heads in the Indian Premier League 2026, and it’s not just about promise—he’s delivering. At just 15 years old, the batter has been striking with confidence against some of the quickest and most seasoned pace attacks, clearing the ropes with big sixes even when the bowler has the advantage. With only his second IPL season underway, Sooryavanshi has already managed to put his name among the record books, and his explosive form has only heightened the excitement around him.
As his rise gathers momentum, a viral social media clip has also added another layer to the buzz around his journey. The footage shows a father pushing his 10-year-old son to take on senior fast bowlers in the nets, despite the child’s resistance. The clip has sparked debate online, but it has undeniably captured attention—especially in the context of how far Sooryavanshi appears to have come already.
On Thursday, the teenager’s performances were formally recognised when he was named in India A’s 15-member squad for a tri-nation 50-over competition in Sri Lanka. The tournament begins on June 9, with Sri Lanka A hosting the event and Afghanistan A taking part as the other side. All matches are set to be played in Dambulla. In addition to the one-day matches, India A will also contest two multi-day four-day “Tests” in Galle, although the squad for that longer format is expected to be announced at a later stage.
Sooryavanshi’s inclusion comes with a clear pathway intention. Selectors want to evaluate him in the Pathways setup—India A—before he is considered for the senior team’s forthcoming tour of the United Kingdom, which starts on June 26 and includes Ireland and England. The tri-series is scheduled to conclude on June 21, giving the young group a defined window to stake their claims.
A look at the composition of the India A squad suggests a youthful core, with the average age sitting around 23. Only three pace bowlers—Arshad Khan, Yudhvir Singh, and Yash Thakur—are above 25. No player in the group is older than 30, and beyond their IPL contracts, the majority have also stood out in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the National One Day Championship.
Within the squad, there’s also a blend of established IPL contributors and emerging prospects. Along with Tilak Varma and vice-captain Riyan Parag—key figures for MI and Rajasthan Royals respectively—Sooryavanshi himself has been a regular presence for Rajasthan Royals. Other IPL-linked names include Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, plus Suryansh Shedge, who have been part of PBKS’s setup at various points. Harsh Dubey has been seen with SRH, while Nishant Sindhu and Arshad Khan have featured for different spells with GT. Ayush Badoni, meanwhile, has been associated with LSG during the season.
Several players have already tasted senior international cricket. Anshul Kamboj has been capped at Test level, while Riyan Parag and Tilak Varma have represented India in T20Is and ODIs. Ayush Badoni had also been selected for the Indian squad earlier in the year, though he did not get an opportunity to play.
The India A squad for the tri-series is: Tilak Varma (captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (vice-captain), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Harsh Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, and Arshad Khan.
