Aakash Chopra has urged India’s selection panel to keep Vaibhav Sooryavanshi firmly on the radar, arguing that the right decision should be made for the long-term benefit of Indian cricket rather than rushing a call-up purely based on hype. The 15-year-old produced a match-winning burst for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, underlining why his name is increasingly being linked with the national setup.
Sooryavanshi’s explosive Eliminator knock turns the tide
In a high-stakes do-or-die game, Sooryavanshi showed no signs of nerves as he smashed 97 off just 29 deliveries. His innings was loaded with 5 boundaries and 12 sixes, striking at an extraordinary rate of 334.48.
- Sooryavanshi: 97 runs (29 balls), 5 fours, 12 sixes, strike rate 334.48
- Rajasthan Royals finished on 243/8 in 20 overs, with the opener’s knock proving decisive
- Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chase of 244 fell short as they were all out for 196 in 19.2 overs
Chopra: India call-up should be exciting, but not rushed
Speaking on Star Sports, Chopra said that while Sooryavanshi’s current form is impossible to ignore, there is still time before the next global tournament. He also acknowledged that selection based on IPL performance can be compelling, given that the league remains India’s premier T20 platform.
Chopra stated, “We are still two years away from the next World Cup. There is plenty of time. Yes, picking Vaibhav Suryavanshi for India based on his IPL form is an exciting thought. You can’t ignore it because the IPL is India’s top T20 tournament.”
Why Chopra believes the openers are set for now
The former India batter also suggested that breaking into the team may not be a simple process for Sooryavanshi, given the roles already locked in by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as openers.
Chopra highlighted that teams generally don’t make alterations when the current combination is performing. His view was that dropping a player is typically justified only when there is a clear failure, not merely because someone else has produced a big knock elsewhere.
“He is breaking records left and right. You have to take him seriously. He is special, no doubt. But you don’t make changes just for the sake of it. It’s simple. For someone to be dropped, they need to fail. If someone is already a topper in the team, why would you replace them just because someone else scored big runs? Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are those toppers right now. You don’t replace them. If you do, then in two or three years when Vaibhav has a lean patch, the same thing will happen. The next young batter will be pushed in,” Chopra said.
Pressure on selectors, but the priority is the right call
Chopra noted that the selection group—Ajit Agarkar, RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha—will feel pressure, but insisted they should act in a way that best supports India’s cricketing future. He also stressed that Sooryavanshi does not need an immediate debut, given his age.
“So, the selectors, Ajit Agarkar, RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha, will face pressure. But they must do what is best for Indian cricket. They will make the right call. His India debut doesn’t have to happen tomorrow. It can wait. He is only 15. There is no rush,” Chopra added.
Orange Cap push and India A opportunity
Sooryavanshi is also leading the charge in the Orange Cap race, sitting with 680 runs in 15 matches at an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 242.85. This season, he has already delivered a century and four half-centuries, including 55 fours and 65 sixes. He has struck the most sixes of the campaign so far, ahead of SRH’s Abhishek, who has hit 43.
- Orange Cap: 680 runs in 15 matches
- Average: 45.33 | Strike rate: 242.85
- Milestones: 1 century, 4 half-centuries
- Boundaries: 55 fours, 65 sixes (most in the tournament)
- Six-hitting comparison: Ahead of SRH’s Abhishek (43 sixes)
Beyond IPL recognition, Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden India A call-up for the upcoming one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka, which will also include Afghanistan. Tilak Varma will captain India A, with Riyan Parag named as his deputy. The squad also features the PBKS opening duo of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya.
