Vaibhav Sooryavanshi more than ready: Sangakkara backs RR starboy for India invite

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is more than ready to make his India debut. The teenage sensation enjoyed a dream IPL 2026 campaign and finished as the Orange Cap holder with 776 runs from 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a staggering strike tally of 237.30, including one century and five fifties.

Amidst his remarkable season, Sooryavanshi has also earned a call-up to the India A squad for the tour of Sri Lanka next month. On Friday, the 15-year-old smashed 96 off 47 balls, but his valiant effort went in vain as the Royals failed to reach the final, losing to Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.

Backing Sooryavanshi to earn his senior India title soon, Sangakkara praised the youngster’s maturity and poise, saying he had shown a strong sense of responsibility and impressive awareness of the game during the tournament.

GT vs RR Qualifier 2: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

“You never really know if someone is ready until they play. But with everything he’s done against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he’s more than ready to take on any challenge you throw at him. I’m sure it will be very, very soon,” Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference.

“He’s batted very maturely and he’s taken on the responsibility of that opening partnership really well for us this season.”

‘NEVER A GOOD LOOK’

Sooryavanshi also faced a big challenge against the Titans when he was hit on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from Kagiso Rabada. However, the Royals opener showed remarkable courage, quickly regaining his composure after undergoing the mandatory medical before resuming his innings.

“And yes, every hit by the batter is scary. I’ve seen a lot of people get hit and it’s never a good sight. But I’m glad he’s OK,” Sangakkara added.

Sooryavanshi may have fallen just four runs short of a century in Qualifier 2, but the 15-year-old still had plenty to celebrate. During his knock of 96, he became the fastest batsman to reach 1,000 IPL runs in terms of balls faced, breaking Andre Russell’s previous record.

He also became the second-fastest player to reach the milestone in terms of innings, getting there in just 23 innings, behind only Shaun Marsh, who achieved it in 21. With a record-breaking IPL season behind him, all eyes will now be on Sooryavanshi as he joins the India A squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka on June 9, which will come under control.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

30 May 2026 08:41 IST