Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s childhood coach, Manish Ojha, was pleased after the 15-year-old was named in Team India’s squad for the tour of the UK and the Asian Games. Ojha mentioned that he hopes the BCCI has found a batter, who can become the face of Indian cricket in the near future.
He is the youngest cricketer to get an India call-up. If he plays against Ireland on June 26 in Belfast, he will overtake Sachin Tendulkar, who was 16 when he made his test debut against Pakistan in November 1989.
Sooryavanshi set the Indian Premier League alight this season, finishing as the highest run-getter with 776 in 16 innings. He scored at a remarkable strike rate of 237.31 and hit 72 sixes.
“He has forced us to pick him with how well he’s played,” chief selector Ajit Agarkar said. “I know his age…how young he is and (it is) early in his career. But…we can see the kind of talent he has, and we are hopeful that if he gets the opportunity to play for the country, he will show the same ability.
“Playing for the country will mean tougher challenges, but he has shown tremendous temperament. He has picked himself through his performances – he single-handedly carried the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL playoffs. Like everyone else who’s watched him play, we have high hopes of him.”
Sooryavanshi made his first-class debut at 12. At 13, he became the youngest to get an IPL deal when Rajasthan bought him for the 2025 season. He scored 252 runs in seven games at a strike-rate of 206, including a 35-ball century – the second-fastest in IPL history.
He then starred in India’s win at the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, smashing 175 off 80 balls in the final against England – the highest individual score in any ICC global tournament final.
Speaking to ANI, Ojha expressed his happiness. “Congratulations to him and his family. It is a moment of pride for all of us. After Sachin, he is a young player who will play for India. It is a big moment for me as a coach. The BCCI has found the next poster boy of Indian cricket. I am confident that he will deliver and live up to expectations,” Ojha said.
The coach said Sooryavanshi’s selection was a reward for his consistency over the last two years.
“He showed his talent in the IPL and the Under-19 World Cup. Vaibhav dominated all the bowlers and hit massive sixes. His talent and performance have earned him a spot in the Indian team,” he added.
He was the best player in the 19th season of the tournament, winning the Most Valuable Player award, Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker, Orange Cap and Super Sixes of the Season.
Vaibhav struck 72 sixes during the campaign and won several matches for the Rajasthan Royals.
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