Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Mohit Sharma Urges India to Test 15-Year-Old Sensation
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The 15-Year-Old Shaking Up IPL 2026
At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already making waves in the Indian Premier League. The Rajasthan Royals youngster has lit up IPL 2026 with his explosive batting, turning heads and sparking serious conversations about his potential at the international level.
A Star in the Making
Sooryavanshi, who made his IPL debut at 14 in the 2025 season, has rapidly evolved into one of the most aggressive batters the league has ever seen. This season, he’s not just surviving against seasoned pros—he’s dismantling them. With 486 runs in 12 matches at a staggering strike rate of 234.78, he’s currently sixth on the Orange Cap leaderboard. His tally includes two fifties and a magnificent century, all achieved under intense pressure and global scrutiny.
Mohit Sharma Backs Early International Exposure
Former India pacer Mohit Sharma has now joined the growing chorus urging selectors Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir to consider Sooryavanshi for the national team. While cautious about fast-tracking the teenager, Sharma believes he deserves a shot when the opportunity arises.
“Of course, he should play for India. Why not? What do you need to play for your country? You need to perform against top players and top teams, which he is already doing in the IPL. Now, it comes down to team combinations and how the team thinks. If we are talking about whether he is ready or not, I would say try him out if there is a spot,”
Proven on the Big Stage
Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in India-A’s upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka—a List-A tournament featuring Sri Lanka-A and Afghanistan-A—signals that the cricketing establishment is already monitoring his progress. Scheduled from June 9 to June 21, the tournament will feature a double round-robin format followed by a final. Tilak Varma will captain the side, with Riyan Parag as vice-captain.
While it remains unclear if Sooryavanshi will feature in the accompanying two four-day unofficial Tests, his limited-overs credentials are beyond dispute. His ability to dominate frontline bowlers in the IPL has drawn comparisons to other young power-hitters who have gone on to represent India.
The Battle for India’s Opening Spots
The competition for top-order positions in India’s T20I side is fiercer than ever. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson currently hold the fort, but talents like Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill are all waiting in the wings. Sharma noted that this next generation brings not just power, but improved technique and timing.
“If you see Abhishek Sharma, he also plays an aggressive brand of cricket. Earlier, it was about power and range-hitting; now, there is a lot of focus on technique and timing. It is great for the current generation, led by players like Abhishek and Ishan Kishan,”
A Bright Future Ahead
At 15, Sooryavanshi could potentially serve Indian cricket for another 15 to 20 years. His current focus is on T20 cricket, but his adaptability and raw talent suggest he could thrive across formats. Sharma believes that while Sooryavanshi is still refining his game, his trajectory is promising.
“Not just batting, but smashing all top fast bowlers. He will learn and evolve with time. Currently, he is only playing one style and format. With his talent, I am sure he will go a long way,”
He ended with a lighthearted yet telling remark: “I am happy I have retired, or else I would have been smashed too.” It’s a sentiment that underscores the sheer fearlessness Sooryavanshi brings to the crease—one that could soon be on display in the India jersey.
