Former Sri Lankan opening batter Sanath Jayasuriya has showered praise on the teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a talent of a different kind and the future of Indian cricket.
Speaking at an event in Gurgaon on Sunday, September 20, the former Sri Lankan captain asserted that the 15-year-old batter needs constant chances in the playing XI to excel for the Indian team.
Sooryavanshi made his highly anticipated international debut during India’s tour of England in July 2026. At just 15 years and 99 days old, he broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record to become the youngest male cricketer ever to play for India.
“He is a different kind of talent. I think he is the future for India. He has a lot of time. So, give him the opportunity and he will do well,” Jayasuriya said.
Subsequently, India toured Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series. Sooryavanshi amassed 151 runs in three games at a staggering strike rate of 196.10 and earned the Player of the Series award.
“Opportunities will come. I can’t tell which position he will play, it depends. But when the opportunity comes, he will grab them. So, let’s wait and see. I can’t comment on the selection and the batting line-ups. I think he is highly talented,” he added.
While the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that Sooryavanshi needs to wait for his chances in the XI, the former Sri Lankan batting legend has warned the opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
“The individual cricketers have individual talents and they work hard at practice and training. In India, there are always players ready to take their place and perform. The competition is so high,” he concluded.
India will next play Japan in the only T20I in Japan ahead of the Asian Games 2026.
