“Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all three formats for India
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A Rising Star Gains High Praise
The cricketing world is currently witnessing a phenomenon in the form of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. As the IPL 2026 season reaches its crescendo, the young batter has become the talk of the town, not just for his record-breaking performances but for the sheer maturity he displays at such a tender age. Among those deeply impressed is none other than star batter Sarfaraz Khan, who has offered a ringing endorsement of the teenager’s future, firmly believing that “Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all three formats for India.
Early Signs of Brilliance
Sarfaraz Khan’s confidence in the young talent is not a recent development. During a recent event in Mumbai, Sarfaraz recalled his first encounter with Sooryavanshi back in 2024. The occasion was the teenager’s Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar against Mumbai. At just 12 years and 284 days old, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to make a First-Class debut in over sixty years. While the match ended in a comfortable victory for Mumbai, Sarfaraz noted that the spark was already evident. “He’s a very good friend of mine, and we stay in touch. I first saw him during that Ranji debut, and even then, I could see that he had great skill,” Sarfaraz remarked.
Mastery Across Formats
When questioned about whether the youngster possesses the technique and temperament to thrive in red-ball and white-ball cricket alike, Sarfaraz did not hesitate. His assessment remains clear: the boy is equipped for the long haul. Sooryavanshi has already proven his mettle in the U-19 circuit, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the World Cup victory. His 175 off 80 balls against England remains a highlight of his burgeoning career. Furthermore, his record in Youth Tests and Youth ODIs, including a blistering 36-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcases a rare ability to adapt his aggressive style to different conditions.
The Secret Behind the Success
While natural talent is often the primary focus of discussion regarding teenage sensations, Sarfaraz Khan points to a deeper attribute that separates Sooryavanshi from his peers: his work ethic. “His mindset and preparation are different. Anyone can succeed with hard work, but he has worked extremely hard on his game,” Sarfaraz emphasized. This dedication is reflected in the massive numbers he has posted this year. In the IPL 2026 season, Sooryavanshi secured the Orange Cap with 776 runs in 16 matches at a staggering strike rate of 237. With 72 sixes to his name, he has redefined the standards of power-hitting in the tournament.
A Future Pillar of Indian Cricket
Despite the end of the Rajasthan Royals’ campaign, the impact left by Sooryavanshi is indelible. Having recorded five fifties and a century, he has arguably delivered the most dominant individual batting performance in IPL history. As whispers of an international call-up for the upcoming England tour grow louder, the consensus among experts and senior players is shifting toward immediate inclusion. Sarfaraz Khan’s unwavering support serves as a testament to the belief that the youngster is not just a T20 specialist, but a genuine multi-format talent in the making. If his trajectory continues on this path, Indian cricket fans have every reason to be excited about what the future holds for this extraordinary talent.
