Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Image source: BCCI/IPL)
New Delhi: With his powerful play, ability to thrive under pressure, and knack for dismantling some of the best bowlers in the world, young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has drawn praise from all quarters, including the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.Tendulkar described Sooryavanshi as “really special” and said he would like to see the youngster play Test cricket, but warned against rushing him in this format.
Sooryavanshi enjoyed a fantastic IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, scoring 776 runs at an impressive average of 237.31. His tally of 72 sixes not only underscored his dominance but also broke the record for the most number of sixes in a single IPL season, surpassing Chris Gayle’s previous mark of 59.“Everyone talks about Sooryavanshi, I watched him bat – he was amazing,” said Tendulkar, who was named the best men’s international batsman of the 21st century at the Cricinfo Honors ceremony in Mumbai. “I mean he’s really something special. And not just the ability to hit the ball, but what also blew me away was the wrist work that he has.”“To be able to play all directions of the ground, you need good work in your wrist. And he doesn’t hit the ball.
“He chooses the line and length earlier than other players and is able to get over the rope comfortably.”There has been a lot of discussion about the possibility of India recalling Suryavanshi. Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara also backed the idea after the team’s defeat to Gujarat Titans in the second qualifier, saying the 15-year-old is “more than ready” for international cricket.Meanwhile, Tendulkar said he would like to see Suryavanshi play Test cricket.“I would tell him to just be himself,” he said. “There’s always a first time. In Test cricket, he will learn, along with age, how to deal with different challenges. [It’s about] Having a solution-oriented mindset. Problems will always be there. Problems will be there until the last day of your career, until the last ball you play. The bowler asks a question on each ball. Now what solutions did you find? He’s the kind of player who seems very confident, very sure of what he wants to do, and I don’t want to play with his natural instincts.“The way he sees the ball and the way he responds to it, if that cue is interrupted – if you put a lot of obstacles in between by telling him multiple things – that’s the real challenge. I’ll give him the freedom to go out and hit the way he does. And over time, he’ll learn how to deal with other challenges in the game.”“Not just me, but everyone wants to see it [playing Test cricket] At some point. I don’t know when that will happen. But exciting talent needs encouragement. And if he’s in good shape, we need to encourage him, support him and have fun above all and not constantly pressure him, you know, he should play this, or he shouldn’t do that, or he should be selected in which team. Leave that to the men [selectors] Who is responsible for that?
“Sooryavanshi has also been included in India’s possible 30-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games.The men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to be held from September 24 to October 3.
