Former India fast bowler Atul Wassan believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi carries the kind of early-career spark that once defined Sachin Tendulkar. In Wassan’s view, the teenager’s calm confidence, bold decision-making and fearless batting bring back memories of Tendulkar’s beginnings during India’s 1989 tour of Pakistan. Sooryavanshi, who turned heads across the recently completed IPL, finished as the season’s top run-getter with 776 runs across 16 innings, striking at 237.30. His impact was built on fearless displays against elite bowling threats, including Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins.
Wassan described Sooryavanshi as a rare talent, saying the maturity and audacity he shows are reminiscent of a young Tendulkar. “He is a one in a million generational talent. Can you imagine the maturity and audacity of this boy? He reminds me of 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar,” Wassan said. He added that during the 1989 Pakistan tour he saw Tendulkar’s ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and he feels Sooryavanshi has been blessed with a similar X-factor alongside the power to hit the ball through the line.
Wassan also recalled what made Tendulkar’s debut in 1989 so striking. The 16-year-old had arrived on the international stage against a hostile Pakistan pace and spin challenge featuring Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Abdul Qadir and Imran Khan. Wassan noted that Tendulkar’s straight hitting and on-drives stood out immediately, with the timing and composure behind those boundaries suggesting a player who was destined to become a star.
While praising Sooryavanshi’s current level, Wassan stressed that the teenager still has a long journey ahead. He expressed the hope that Sooryavanshi’s development follows a smooth path similar to the one Tendulkar carved out. “Though he has a long way to go. I hope everything falls into place just like it did for Sachin. The same God gifted X factor talent I see in Sooryavanshi,” Wassan said. He also made it clear that long-term progress will depend on the right support system—whether the youngster is guided to grow into a “complete cricketer” instead of being viewed purely as a T20 specialist.
One concern Wassan raised was whether the youngster is being mentored strongly enough to aspire beyond the shorter formats. “The only thing that bothers me is that is he being mentored enough to aspire for the Test cap? He is king of this format (T20). He has got the game. But does he have more talent than just hitting sixes?” Wassan questioned. He further warned that it would be unfair to load the teenager with pressure to chase record-breaking milestones so early in his career.
In Wassan’s opinion, Sooryavanshi should focus on becoming a full-fledged player rather than fixating on statistics. “It will be unfair to put the burden of breaking records. He should not be thinking or made to think about the records. He should aspire to become complete players like Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli,” he said. Wassan linked longevity and evolution to reaching the next level, adding that a batter may eventually need to adjust his game as conditions and challenges change.
He also suggested that during tough phases, a return to fundamentals and a strong understanding of cricket’s core values can help players rise again. “There will be a time when you have to change your game. During challenging times, if he can go back to the basics and ethos of the game then he will emerge as a great player. So it all depends upon who all mentor him and how. Guys like (Anil) Kumble and Dravid can keep in good stead,” Wassan said.
Wassan believes a batter’s true measure in cricket is ultimately shaped by performances in Test cricket, describing the longest format as the real benchmark. “Test is the real test. A player gets respect from Test cricket only,” he said. He added that while hitting sixes can look easier when boundaries are shorter, the environment in Tests demands far more—three slips, restrictions on bouncers, bigger grounds and harder conditions. “But when there will be three slips, no restrictions on bouncers, big grounds and tough conditions, if you do well there, you earn respect before the eyes of your contemporaries,” Wassan explained.
To underline the point, Wassan drew a parallel with West Indies legend Chris Gayle, saying even the most destructive T20 performers earn broader recognition when they prove themselves in Tests. “If you have a range of Chris Gayle. Gayle is Gayle because he scored a triple hundred in Test cricket. Gayle is arguably among one of the greatest T20 batters,” Wassan added.
Wassan concluded by insisting that Sooryavanshi is already ready for the next step and is prepared to handle international cricket demands. “Sooryavanshi has shown that he is ready to play international cricket. He has taken all the bowlers in the world apart. He just walks in the Indian team. Where will you fit him is the job of the coach!” he said. For him, batting roles in T20 can be flexible, and he argued that opening spots matter less than the player’s ability to execute at the top of the order. “In T20, one, two and three are all openers for me so it doesn’t matter,” Wassan finished.
