Kumar Sangakkara leaves little doubt over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's readiness for India call-up: ‘He’s more than ready’

Kumar Sangakkara believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already shown enough against world-class opposition to prove he can handle whatever challenge comes next.

Updated on: May 30, 2026, 12:07:26 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is rapidly pushing his case for a place in India's T20I setup after a remarkable IPL season that has made him one of the biggest talking points in the tournament. At just 15, the Rajasthan Royals batter lit up the competition, scoring 776 runs at a strike rate of over 230 and consistently taking apart some of the best bowling attacks in the league.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a season for ages with the bat. (AFP)

Time and again, Sooryavanshi carried Rajasthan's batting unit, rescuing the side from difficult situations and providing match-winning contributions. He attempted to do the same in Qualifier 2, producing a brilliant 96 that helped Royals post a competitive total. However, the bowlers were unable to defend it as Rajasthan's campaign came to an end.

What stands out as much as the runs is the fearlessness with which he has batted. Sooryavanshi has shown a level of confidence and maturity rarely seen in a player of his age, quickly becoming one of the faces of the tournament. Unsurprisingly, calls for an India debut are growing louder, with many believing it may only be a matter of time before he gets his opportunity at the international level.

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara was asked whether the teenage sensation was ready for international cricket. The former Sri Lanka captain said it is impossible to know for certain until a player gets the opportunity, but believes Sooryavanshi has already shown enough against world-class opposition to prove he can handle whatever challenge comes next.

“You never really know if anyone is ready until they play. But with everything he has shown against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he’s more than ready to take on any challenge that you throw at him. I’m sure he’ll get that call-up very, very soon,” Sangakkara said in the post-match press conference.

Also Read - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 72 sixes did more than just beat Chris Gayle - they rewired IPL batting

Sangakkara hails Sooryavanshi's maturity

Reflecting on Sooryavanshi's breakthrough campaign, Sangakkara praised the youngster's temperament and sense of responsibility, highlighting how he handled the demands of opening the batting despite his age and inexperience at the highest level.

“He has batted with a lot of maturity and shouldered the responsibility of that opening partnership really well for us this season.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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