Former Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag has expressed strong support for young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, drawing parallels between the 15-year-old’s aggressive batting style and his own storied career. Speaking at a discussion held at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday, Sehwag remarked that the teenager possesses a mindset similar to his own, characterised by an intent to play attacking shots from the very first ball.
Sooryavanshi has already established a notable presence in the T20I format, accumulating 246 runs across eight matches at a strike rate of 186. Addressing questions regarding the youngster’s inclusion in the senior side, Sehwag dismissed concerns over age, asserting that once a player graduates to top-level competition—such as the IPL or international cricket—raw performance is the only metric that should matter. "A 40-year-old Kohli is playing, and a 15-year-old Sooryavanshi is also playing. Then, performance matters," Sehwag stated.
The competition for opening positions in the Indian squad remains significant, with players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma currently serving as the preferred choices. While Sooryavanshi has participated in eight of India’s 18 recent T20Is, the management continues to balance the integration of young talent with the success of established performers. Former all-rounder Robin Singh also weighed in on the situation, acknowledging Sooryavanshi’s immense talent while noting that healthy internal competition is beneficial for the team, as it ensures players remain focused on maintaining high standards.
Looking ahead, Sehwag also touched upon India’s broader prospects, specifically the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. He emphasised the importance of a robust bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, in the team’s pursuit of global success. For now, the focus for the young Sooryavanshi remains on securing consistent opportunities as he seeks to build a long and impactful international career under the watchful eyes of the national selectors.
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