Sooryavanshi targeting Test cricket? Young batter’s conversation with Gavaskar c
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A Star is Born: The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season will long be remembered for the arrival of a generational talent. As the dust settled in Ahmedabad following the final, all eyes were on the young prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who walked away with a collection of accolades after finishing the tournament as the highest run-getter. His performance throughout the competition was nothing short of extraordinary, signaling a bright future for Indian cricket.
The Gavaskar Connection
In a significant post-match interaction, the 15-year-old was spotted in deep conversation with the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Given Gavaskar’s stature as one of the greatest exponents of Test cricket, the discussion naturally veered toward the youngster’s long-term aspirations. When asked about his approach to batting and whether he intended to refine his ground-stroke technique, Sooryavanshi’s response was remarkably mature.
“Yes, I am because next is an ODI assignment. Also, I am currently practicing with the red ball; till now, no one has seen me do that, but pretty soon everyone will,” the youngster revealed. This admission confirmed that the young batter is already preparing for the rigors of the longest format behind the scenes.
Redefining the T20 Mindset
Addressing his aggressive style of play, which saw him smash 72 sixes in the IPL—surpassing Chris Gayle’s historic 2012 record—Sooryavanshi explained the tactical freedom afforded to him. “Everyone thinks that I am just a player who loves to hit each ball. Since this is T20 cricket, coaches have given me the freedom. My thought process is to hit the ball if it’s in my range; I don’t like to play lofted shots out of compulsion,” he clarified. This analytical approach suggests that he possesses the discipline required to adapt his game across different formats.
The Ultimate Ambition
Despite his massive success in the T20 arena, Sooryavanshi remains grounded in the traditions of the sport. “I want to play Tests. My father always tells me that the ultimate format is the five-day game,” he stated. He acknowledged the challenges of his early exposure to first-class cricket, noting, “I haven’t played much with the red ball. Even though I have played in the Ranji Trophy, I didn’t get too many chances. It was challenging, but I will continue to work on my game.”
Endorsement from the Master Blaster
The buzz surrounding Sooryavanshi has reached the highest echelons of the game, with Sachin Tendulkar himself weighing in on the youngster’s future. During the Cricinfo honours show, Tendulkar emphasized the need for patience and support.
“Exciting talent has to be encouraged. If he’s doing well, then we also need to support him and let him enjoy his game without any pressure being put on him,” Tendulkar remarked. He underscored the importance of allowing the natural progression of a player’s career, adding, “One cannot tell the selectors to pick the player for a certain format, because that’s their job.”
With a touch of humor regarding the selection committee, Tendulkar added, “With Ajit Agarkar (Selector) sitting here, I have to be careful with my words, just like everybody else. Even I am excited to see Vaibhav play Test cricket at some stage, but I don’t know when.”
What Lies Ahead?
As the cricket fraternity watches his development, the focus remains on whether the transition from white-ball dominance to red-ball consistency will happen sooner rather than later. For now, Sooryavanshi continues to work in the shadows, honing his red-ball technique with the same dedication that made him a superstar in the IPL. Whether he is fast-tracked into the Test setup or allowed to develop through the domestic structure, one thing is certain: the ambition to excel in the white flannels is firmly in place.
