Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Suresh Raina has applauded Rajasthan Royals (RR) batting talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi to break into India’s T20I side soon as well. He also called him an X-factor while recalling his century against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL and his hundred for the U19 team in England as well.

Suresh Raina told Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel on Friday (August 29): “(Who will first make it to the Indian team – Vaibhav or Mhatre)- Vaibhav Suryavanshi. His fearless approach is different. Mhatre is also good, but Vaibhav has X-factor; such talents are rare. He recently scored a ton in England and scored a century in the IPL. It shows this player from Bihar proves – ek Bihari sab pe bhari (One from Bihar is heavier than all)… Nobody knew Samastipur… A player from a village showed his potential.”

“There was a coach from Bihar who told me that he looked after him. Such players come once in a century, whether it’s Rishabh Pant, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, or Rinku Singh… Ayush Mhtare, at the age of 17, right from the very first match [for CSK], whatever he has done [has been impressive],” he further added.

Suresh Raina also backed KL Rahul to make his T20I comeback despite missing out on a place in the 2025 Asia Cup as well. He also praised him for his class, temperament, and game awareness as well.

“(On KL Rahul’s chances in T20Is) He scored the runs. See, KL Rahul has a temperament. People think 20-20 is a very fast game; you need to hit a lot of shots, but the class, temperament, and game awareness he possesses don’t come overnight. He has worked a lot, so I think he will come back,” Suresh Raina concluded.