Bengaluru: Former England captain Alastair Cook summed up the growing hype around teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with a light-hearted remark, asking, “Does he have a passport?” amid discussions of a potential India call-up.
The comment came during a conversation on the Stick to Cricket podcast, where prominent cricket voices debated whether the 15-year-old prodigy is ready for international cricket following his explosive performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
Rapid rise grabs global attention
Sooryavanshi, representing the Rajasthan Royals, has emerged as one of the standout performers this season. The young batter has scored 246 runs in six matches at an average of 41.00 and an extraordinary strike rate of 236.53.
His fearless approach and consistency have not only earned him accolades but also placed him among the leading run-scorers, even briefly holding the Orange Cap earlier in the tournament.
This follows an impressive debut IPL season where he scored a century and his standout performance in the Under-19 World Cup, including a remarkable 175 in the final against England.
Debate over early international call-up
The podcast discussion, featuring Michael Vaughan, David Lloyd, Phil Tufnell, and Alex Hartley, quickly turned to whether Sooryavanshi should be included in India’s squad for the upcoming Ireland tour.
While Lloyd jokingly questioned whether the teenager should still be in school, Vaughan strongly backed his inclusion, even suggesting he could be considered for the England series later in the year.
“Why not?” echoed Tufnell, as the panel largely agreed that Sooryavanshi’s performances merit serious consideration.
Fearless approach impresses experts
One of the key talking points was Sooryavanshi’s confidence against top-quality bowlers. Vaughan pointed out that the youngster had already shown the ability to take on elite players, citing an instance where he struck Jasprit Bumrah for a six.
Hartley highlighted the mindset of modern young cricketers, noting their fearless and expressive style of play. She praised Sooryavanshi’s ability to step up against high-profile bowlers like Jofra Archer without hesitation.
The discussion also noted how, at times, Sooryavanshi’s aggressive batting has overshadowed even established players like Yashasvi Jaiswal at the other end.
Selection call looms large
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India reportedly considering him for the Ireland tour, Sooryavanshi is now on the verge of a potential senior team debut.
His age, however, remains a point of debate. While some believe caution is necessary, others argue that talent and performance should outweigh age considerations.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise has sparked excitement and debate in equal measure. As selectors weigh their options, the teenager has already achieved what few can—forcing his way into the national conversation at just 15, with performances that are impossible to ignore.
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