After IPL storm, Pujara sees bigger future for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: ‘He should definitely play Tests for India’

Cheteshwar Pujara stated that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India call-up was upcoming, but also hoped he would get a chance in the longer format.

Updated on: May 7, 2026, 13:41:15 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Cheteshwar Pujara feels that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play Test cricket, as it will help him improve his temperament and skills, and he will also receive a different kind of respect from colleagues, experts, and fans. The 15-year-old has gone a notch higher this year after making his debut in IPL 2025. In IPL 2026, he has become a crucial cog in RR's playing XI, courtesy of Sanju Samson's trade to the Chennai Super Kings.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been urged to play Test cricket. (PTI)

He has managed 404 runs in 10 matches at an average of 40.40, and he has also been striking at 237.64. He has registered a ton and two fifties, and is fifth in the Orange Cap race.

Also Read: ‘He will try to harm you’: Gambhir branded a bully with a massive ego, confronted Kohli out of habit; players ‘unhappy’

‘He should definitely play Test cricket’

JioHotstar CTV Hindi feed expert Cheteshwar Pujara stated that Sooryavanshi's India call-up was upcoming, but also hoped he would get a chance in the longer format.

“Vaibhav is such a player who is doing very well in T20 cricket, and he will definitely get a chance in the Indian team. Whether he plays Test cricket or not, only time will tell. If he has the potential, opportunity, time, and he can play his game, then he should definitely play Test cricket, because your temperament, your ability, and the respect that you talk about come from Test cricket. So definitely, Test cricket should be there in each and every young player's mind,” he said.

“I do agree that Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game, but that doesn't mean that the white ball specialist players don't have that ability. If there is a white-ball specialist, like Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi) and Shreyas Iyer, then they should be playing that format. There should be different players for different formats,” he added.

RR lost their previous game to Delhi Capitals, and Sooryavanshi was dismissed early, departing for 4 off 2 balls. He will be looking to make amends in their upcoming game against the Gujarat Titans on Saturday. RR are currently fourth in the points table with six wins and four defeats.

This season, Sooryavanshi's self-belief and confidence have stood out the most, other than his backlift, which is being compared to Brian Lara. Speaking to Doordarshan recently, he said, “For whatever duration I am on the ground, as long as I am using my skills, dominate and play, I can snatch the match from opponents' hands. I also spoke to my father. He said I have fulfilled half of his dream, but half is still left. I need to play in the World Cup for the senior Indian team. Of course, every player shares the same dream: to play for the seniors and win for their country, India. That is my focus for India.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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