Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise continues to be one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket, and his recent selection for India’s T20I squads against Ireland and England has only intensified the debate. At just 15 years of age, the Rajasthan Royals sensation has already forced selectors and experts to rethink traditional pathways to international cricket. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has now shared his thoughts on the youngster’s inclusion, admitting that while he generally prefers players to gain substantial first-class experience before representing India, Sooryavanshi may be an exception to the rule.
The teenage batting prodigy has been named in India’s 16-member squad for the seven-match T20I series against Ireland and England. He has also secured a place in India’s 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games, underlining the faith selectors have in his long-term potential. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra acknowledged that his cricketing philosophy typically favors patience and development through domestic cricket. However, he believes Sooryavanshi possesses a rare level of talent that makes waiting difficult.
“Many times when you see such a talent, you feel it shouldn’t get late,” Aakash Chopra said. “It’s not going to get late because this guy has so many years ahead of him that he will play for a long time. However, you still feel why one year should be wasted.”
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The former batter explained that players usually benefit from completing a full first-class season before making the jump to international cricket. Such experience, he believes, helps youngsters develop maturity and cope better with setbacks at the highest level.
“I am also of the opinion that if you are seeing someone close and here and thereabouts, you can wait a little. It’s absolutely fine,” Aakash Chopra observed. “Let him play a first-class season and score runs. He will come more mature, and then if there is any failure, he will be able to handle it well. So that thought is what I subscribe to.”
Yet Chopra feels Sooryavanshi belongs to a special category of cricketers whose progress should not be restricted by conventional timelines. “However, with whatever we have seen of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, it seems like he is that tsunami you shouldn’t try to stop,” he added. “In fact, enable and allow him to come and take the center stage, that he should come and dictate, as he is a talent like that.”
Sooryavanshi is currently representing India A in the ongoing tri-series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. After scoring just 14 runs in the opening match against Sri Lanka A, he responded impressively with a blistering 44 off 22 balls against Afghanistan A, once again showcasing his fearless approach. Despite the excitement surrounding his selection, Chopra believes India will handle the youngster carefully and avoid rushing him into every game immediately.
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“I don’t think he will play all the matches in any case. He has been kept part of the Indian team,” Chopra explained. “So you keep failing, and you keep learning. You keep succeeding, and still you keep learning.” The former cricketer stressed that India’s investment in Sooryavanshi is focused on the future rather than short-term results. “He will be a part of the dressing room, but he won’t get a chance immediately. However, when he gets it, I really hope he does well,” Chopra said. “It’s a slight long-term planning for him. It’s not short-term for him, that he would be left out if he doesn’t do well in one or two series.”
The excitement around Sooryavanshi is understandable. The left-handed opener dominated IPL 2026, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs in 16 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30. While his first-class numbers remain modest, his extraordinary white-ball performances have convinced many that Indian cricket may be witnessing the emergence of a generational talent.
