‘Great role model for Vaibhav’: Former India captain tells Sooryavanshi to follow Sachin Tendulkar’s path

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sachin Tendulkar (Image Agency) Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has backed teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to enjoy a bright international future but believes the youngster should take inspiration from Sachin Tendulkar’s discipline, focus and mental strength as he prepares for the biggest stage.Sooryavanshi, 15, is on the verge of creating history during India’s ongoing T20I series against Ireland. If he makes his international debut in the next few weeks, the left-handed batsman will become the youngest player to represent India in men’s cricket, breaking Tendulkar’s long-standing record. The batting icon made his debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16, while Sooryavanshi is in line to reach the milestone a year earlier.There was considerable anticipation surrounding the teenager’s debut in the inaugural T20I in Belfast on Friday. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer retained the T20 World Cup-winning opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.Comparisons with Tendulkar have only intensified since Sooryavanshi’s remarkable IPL 2026 campaign where he amassed over 700 runs for Rajasthan Royals. Acknowledging the excitement around the youngster, Vengsarkar urged him to follow the qualities that made Tendulkar a legend of the game.“When I watched Sachin Tendulkar play, he looked mentally mature for his age. He did exceptionally well in inter-school tournaments in Mumbai, apart from club cricket where he scored regularly,” Vengsarkar told PTI.“He was mentally prepared to play higher level cricket so we picked him. He was so disciplined, passionate and focused and that is a great example for youngsters like Vaibhav,” he added.Although Sooryavanshi is still waiting for his first international appearance, Vengsarkar believes it is only a matter of time before the teenager gets his opportunity and expects him to make the most of it.“I’m sure he’ll get an opportunity and once he gets it he’ll grab it with both hands because he’s a very good player. He’s just unbelievable,” Vengsarkar said.“He has huge potential. Some of the shots he plays are unreal. His batting is completely different. He can clear the ground with his swing of the bat and his hand-eye coordination. He has been amazing in the T20 format,” he added.Asked if Sooryavanshi has the qualities to be a successful Test cricketer, Vengsarkar chose to remain cautious, pointing out that the youngster was largely judged on his performances in the shortest format.“It is very difficult to say because he is currently in the T20 format. I have not seen him play in the longer format,” he said.“But I am sure he will do well once he is selected. We will have to wait and see how he performs in the longer format, which is very important,” Vengsarkar added.