Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes Vaibhav Suryavanshi could face significant challenges if he attempts to translate his impressive T20 performances into Test cricket. The 15-year-old Indian opener has enjoyed a remarkable rise in 2026, making headlines with his explosive batting across white-ball cricket. Suryavanshi played a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph before producing a stunning campaign in IPL 2026.
The left-hander finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 776 runs at a strike rate of more than 237. His performances earned him a rapid promotion to India’s T20I squad for the tours of Ireland and England. The youngster has also shown glimpses of his ability in longer-format cricket. He recently helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy 2026 and made history by becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the competition. However, his overall first-class numbers remain modest, with an average below 24 after 11 matches.
Despite his impressive rise, Monty Panesar is doubtful about Suryavanshi’s ability to make the transition to Test cricket. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, the former England spinner questioned whether the teenager currently possesses the technique required for the longest format.
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“I can’t see Sooryavanshi transitioning to Test cricket. Harry Brook is the only one right now who’s in the top 10 in Tests and T20Is. But I just don’t think Suryavanshi has got the technique,” Monty Panesar said.
Sooryavanshi’s recent Duleep Trophy performance, however, offered some encouragement. He scored a fluent 92 off 81 deliveries against Central Zone in the semifinal, becoming the youngest batter to register a Duleep Trophy fifty. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has a different outlook on Sooryavanshi’s long-term potential. Clarke believes the teenager has the talent to develop into an all-format star, drawing comparisons with former India captain Virat Kohli and South African great AB de Villiers.
“I think you can still play all three formats. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers showed that. These guys were brilliant Test cricketers and unbelievable T20 cricketers as well. If a player from this generation like Sooryavanshi can make the transition into Test cricket, it is going to be unreal to watch. But whether he wants to play Test cricket is going to be a question as well,” Clarke said.
Clarke also highlighted Sooryavanshi’s natural power and ability to read the ball, while suggesting that his technique can develop through exposure to international conditions.
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“Right now, power is still his main thing, and he has an amazing eye. He picks the ball as well as any young cricketer in the world. The technique will get better the more he tours with India and trains in different conditions. He’s talented enough that, if he wants to do it, I can’t see any reason why he can’t be a superstar in all three formats,” he added.
Sooryavanshi has already made an immediate impact in T20Is, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the format during his second series against Zimbabwe.
