Sangakkara on Sooryavanshi: ‘I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soo – Kumar Sangakkara Backs 15-Year-Old Prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for International Debut

The Rise of a New Star

In the high-pressure cauldron of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to capture the imagination of cricket fans like 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Following an extraordinary campaign in IPL 2026, the youngster has received the ultimate vote of confidence from Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara. Despite the Royals’ exit in Qualifier 2 against the Gujarat Titans, the overarching narrative of their season has been the meteoric ascent of their young opening batsman.

Sooryavanshi’s statistics tell only half the story. Over the course of 16 innings, the teenager amassed a staggering 776 runs at a blistering strike rate of 237.30. Perhaps most impressively, 684 of those runs came exclusively from boundaries, showcasing an ability to dismantle bowling attacks that is rare for a player of his age.

Sangakkara’s Assessment: Ready for the Global Stage

Kumar Sangakkara, one of the most respected voices in modern cricket, did not mince words when discussing the teenager’s future. Following the loss to the Gujarat Titans, the coach emphasized that Sooryavanshi possesses the mental fortitude and technical skill required for the international level.

“With everything Vaibhav’s shown against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he’s more than ready to take on any challenge that you throw at him,” Sangakkara noted. “I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soon. He’s batted with a lot of maturity, and he has shouldered the responsibility of that opening partnership so well for us this season.”

The coach highlighted the youngster’s ability to problem-solve under extreme duress. During the recent qualifier in New Chandigarh, Sooryavanshi faced a brutal barrage of short balls from Gujarat’s tall pace battery. Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, the 15-year-old remained composed, crafting a brilliant 96 off just 47 deliveries.

Nurturing a Prodigy

How does a coaching staff manage such a burgeoning talent without stifling his natural flair? Sangakkara explained that the Rajasthan Royals’ strategy revolves around simplicity and mental clarity. By keeping the environment free from over-analysis, they have allowed Sooryavanshi to focus on his own preparation.

“We don’t clutter his mind too much,” Sangakkara explained. “He comes to all our team meetings, he contributes, he listens, and he does a lot of homework. He practises well and he reads bowlers well, he watches their videos and prepares himself really well. So we don’t want to put any unnecessary thoughts into his head. I think a clear mind, batting with that courage is exactly what we want to see of him.”

A Resilient Team Performance

While Sooryavanshi was a standout, the 2026 season was a testament to the collective resilience of the Rajasthan Royals. The franchise navigated significant hurdles, including an injury-plagued campaign that saw key contributors like Sam Curran sidelined, alongside fitness concerns for captain Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja.

Sangakkara expressed immense pride in the younger squad members, specifically highlighting the seamless transition of rookie bowlers Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja from state T20 circuits to the IPL spotlight. “I think everyone should be extremely proud of themselves,” Sangakkara added. “To have gone from ninth place last season to where we reached this year is a great sign. There is a lot more in the tank for these players.”

Looking Toward the Future

The campaign also served as a proving ground for Riyan Parag in his first full season as captain. Sangakkara praised Parag’s leadership, noting his astute on-field decision-making and his ability to manage a squad that faced constant curveballs. As the dust settles on the 2026 IPL season, the mood within the Rajasthan camp remains optimistic. With a blend of seasoned veterans and burgeoning stars like Sooryavanshi, the foundation for future success appears stronger than ever. The message from the coaching staff is clear: the team has defied expectations, and they fully intend to return even stronger in the coming years.