Mohit Sharma Backs 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Indian National Team Call-up
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The Rise of a Teenage Sensation
In the high-pressure cauldron of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to capture the imagination of the cricketing world like 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, the youngster has emerged as one of the most aggressive and consistent batters in the tournament. His meteoric rise, which began with an IPL debut at just 14, has now reached a point where experts and former players are openly calling for his inclusion in the senior Indian national setup.
Mohit Sharma Calls for Inclusion
Among those impressed is former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who believes the time is ripe to test the teenager at the highest level. Speaking about the youngster’s readiness, Sharma suggested that the national selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, should consider handing the youngster an opportunity if a slot opens up in the team.
“Of course, he should play for India. Why not? What do you need to play for your country? You need to perform against top players and top teams, which he is already doing in the IPL. Now, it comes down to team combinations and how the team thinks. If we are talking about whether he is ready or not, I would say try him out if there is a spot,” Sharma stated during a conversation with SportsBoom.
A Proven Track Record in IPL 2026
Sooryavanshi’s statistics in IPL 2026 validate the hype surrounding his talent. Currently sitting in sixth place on the prestigious Orange Cap table, he has accumulated 486 runs across 12 matches. His average of 40.50 combined with a blistering strike rate of 234.78 demonstrates his ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks. With two half-centuries and a century already to his name this season, he has proven that his aggressive approach is not merely a flash in the pan.
The Pathway: India-A and Beyond
The teenager’s development is being carefully managed, with a recent call-up for the India-A squad for a tri-series in Sri Lanka this June. The series, featuring Sri Lanka-A and Afghanistan-A, will provide Sooryavanshi with crucial experience in 50-over List-A cricket. While the squad is led by Tilak Varma with Riyan Parag serving as vice-captain, the focus will undoubtedly be on how the 15-year-old adapts to the longer format and different bowling conditions.
The Competition for Opening Spots
The path to the senior national team remains competitive, particularly in T20Is. The Indian top-order is currently contested by established names such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill. Mohit Sharma noted the shift in how these modern openers approach their craft, moving away from pure power-hitting toward a refined blend of timing, technique, and aggression.
“If you see Abhishek Sharma, he also plays an aggressive brand of cricket. Earlier, it was about power and range-hitting; now, there is a lot of focus on technique and timing. It is great for the current generation,” Sharma added.
A Future Icon
While the prospect of fast-tracking a 15-year-old carries inherent risks, many analysts believe Sooryavanshi has the potential to serve Indian cricket for the next two decades. Mohit Sharma, with a hint of humor, admitted he was glad to have retired before he had to face such a fearless talent. “He will learn and evolve with time. Currently, he is only playing one style and format. With his talent, I am sure he will go a long way. I am happy I have retired, or else I would have been smashed too,” he concluded.
As the cricket fraternity watches with bated breath, it remains to be seen how the BCCI hierarchy approaches the integration of this young prodigy. However, one thing is certain: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is no longer just a prospect; he is a force to be reckoned with.
