Sachin Tendulkar Advocates for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Test Cricket Prospects

NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a rising star in Indian cricket, has garnered admiration from various cricketing legends, including Sachin Tendulkar. With his impressive batting technique and ability to handle high-pressure situations, the young cricketer is being considered for a potential Test cricket debut, although Tendulkar emphasizes the importance of patience in this process.

Sooryavanshi had a stellar IPL 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals, amassing 776 runs at an extraordinary strike rate of 237.31. His record-breaking 72 sixes eclipsed Chris Gayle's previous record of 59 for the most sixes in a single IPL season, showcasing his dominance at the crease.

"Everyone is talking about Sooryavanshi, and I watched him bat - it was magnificent," Tendulkar remarked. He referred to the young player as "truly special," highlighting not only his power hitting but also his exceptional wrist work, which allows him to play shots in all directions. Tendulkar noted, "He is not slogging the ball... he is able to clear the rope comfortably."

Calls for Sooryavanshi's inclusion in the national team have intensified, with Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara asserting that the 15-year-old is "more than ready" for the international stage. Tendulkar echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire to see him play Test cricket but advising against rushing his career. "I would tell him to just be himself," he stated, emphasizing the need for a solution-oriented mindset to tackle the challenges of the longer format.

The cricketing community is keen to witness Sooryavanshi's journey, with Tendulkar suggesting that encouragement and support are vital for nurturing his talent. Sooryavanshi has also found a spot in India's 30-member probable list for the upcoming Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 24 to October 3, further highlighting his promising future in cricket.