Former India captain and World Cup champion Kapil Dev has praised the young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting his potential while encouraging caution about early conclusions regarding his career.
Sooryavanshi has rapidly risen to prominence over the past year, now on the brink of his senior India debut after being selected for the upcoming T20I series in Ireland. The 15-year-old’s swift ascent has led to comparisons with Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who started his International career as a teenager and became one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Kapil acknowledged the young player’s remarkable promise but emphasized that an accurate evaluation of Sooryavanshi’s career will only be possible after he navigates the next stages of development.
“Vaibhav is too young. But yes, he is a special talent. He is 16, and cricket is everything for him. We will assess him once he reaches 20-22. His talent is extraordinary. He is like Sachin at 16, but can he sustain that? He has a long way to go,” Kapil told The Indian Express.
Over the last few months, the youngster’s achievements have been remarkable. He first made headlines with a match-winning 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final, leading India to victory and establishing himself as a top prospect.
His success continued in the Indian Premier League, where he stood out for the Rajasthan Royals, scoring 776 runs and winning the Orange Cap as the league’s leading run-scorer, making him the youngest player to do so. He also broke Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in a single IPL season.
Sooryavanshi‘s impressive performances led to his first senior India call-up. He has been selected for the T20I squads for the upcoming series against Ireland and England, marking another key milestone in his rapid career progression.
Before this selection, Sooryavanshi had faced challenges during a tri-series in Sri Lanka. However, he dispelled any doubts about his form with a powerful 94-run innings in the final, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.