Mohit Sharma Backs 15-Year-Old Prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India Call-up
The Rise of a Teenage Sensation
In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League, few players have managed to make an impact as profound as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Since making his debut at the tender age of 14 during IPL 2025, the young batting prodigy has transformed into one of the most feared and aggressive strikers of the cricket ball in the tournament. His recent performances for the Rajasthan Royals have sparked a nationwide debate: is it time to introduce the teenager to the international stage?
Former India pacer Mohit Sharma has become the latest high-profile voice to advocate for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion. Speaking on the youngster’s readiness, Sharma suggested that the national selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir, should seriously consider testing him at the highest level when the opportunity arises.
The Numbers Behind the Hype
Sooryavanshi’s statistics in the 2026 IPL season are nothing short of remarkable. Currently sitting in sixth place on the Orange Cap leaderboard, he has dismantled some of the best bowling attacks in the world. Across 12 matches, he has amassed 486 runs at a staggering strike rate of 234.78 and an average of 40.50. With two fifties and a century to his name this season, the youngster has proven that his aggressive approach is not merely a flash in the pan but a consistent display of raw talent.
Mohit Sharma: ‘Try Him Out’
During an interview with SportsBoom, Mohit Sharma emphasized that the criteria for international selection should be based on performance against elite opposition—a test Sooryavanshi is passing with flying colors. “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,” Sharma stated.
Sharma, known for his own cerebral approach to bowling, also expressed a sense of relief regarding his retirement. With a touch of humor, he admitted that he is glad his playing days are behind him, noting that he would likely have been “smashed” by the fearless youngster. “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,” Sharma added.
The Road Ahead: India-A and Beyond
The first step toward international acclimation is already in motion. Sooryavanshi has been called up for the India-A tri-series in Sri Lanka, scheduled for June. Competing against Sri Lanka-A and Afghanistan-A, this tournament will serve as a crucial litmus test for his temperament in 50-over cricket. Under the leadership of captain Tilak Varma and vice-captain Riyan Parag, the squad will navigate a double round-robin format between June 9 and June 21.
While the Indian T20I setup is currently crowded with talented openers like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, experts believe Sooryavanshi represents the future. Mohit Sharma highlighted the evolution of the modern game, noting that the focus has shifted from mere power-hitting to a blend of technique, timing, and aggression—a style that Sooryavanshi seems to have mastered at a remarkably young age.
Managing Expectations
Despite the excitement, voices within the cricketing fraternity remain cautious about not over-burdening the 15-year-old. Many experts have pointed out that Sooryavanshi is at the beginning of a potential 15-to-20-year career. The consensus among senior players is that while he should be integrated into the system, the selectors should wait for the right opening rather than rushing him prematurely. For now, the cricketing world will be watching his performance in the India-A series with keen interest, waiting to see if the “boy wonder” is truly ready to take the final step toward representing his country on the global stage.
