Jofra Archer tipped to test red-hot Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in England T20Is
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be India’s biggest weapon in the upcoming T20I series against England, but says Jofra Archer is the only bowler who can trouble the teenage batting sensation.
Sooryavanshi is yet to make her international debutbut the 15-year-old has emerged as one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. After a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign, the Rajasthan Royals opener earned his first India call-up, with many expecting him to make his debut in the five-match T20I series against England.
India head into the series looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Ireland, a result that came just months after their T20 World Cup triumph. The loss intensified the scrutiny of the team selection and many questioned why Sooryavanshi was still waiting for his first international cap despite producing one of the best seasons in IPL history.
Swann believes England will have little idea of how to contain the left-arm opener, whose fearless approach has overwhelmed bowling attacks in the last two IPL seasons. While video analysis has become an integral part of international cricket, the former off-spinner said Sooryavanshi’s explosive style makes him an exceptionally difficult batsman.
“It is difficult to prepare for a player like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He is still new to international cricket but he has already played two seasons of IPL. That means there are videos available. Some of the English bowlers may have bowled with him in the IPL. But the truth is that nobody has had much success against him so far. He looked almost unplayable on JioStar,” he said.
ARCHER HAS A RARE ADVANTAGE
Despite backing Sooryavanshi to make an immediate impact, Swann feels Archer could have a slight edge over his England team-mates as they spent time together at Rajasthan Royals.
The England fast bowler watched the youngster from close range, shared a dressing room with him and regularly bowled to him during IPL training sessions. According to Swann, that knowledge could prove invaluable as England try to devise plans against one of India’s most devastating young batsmen.
“The only bowler who might have a slight advantage is Jofra Archer. He saw Sooryavanshi from the dugout, pounced on him in the nets and watched him closely. He probably saw him more than anyone else,” added Swann.
Sooryavanshi’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After bursting onto the scene as one of the youngest players in IPL history, the teenager has taken his game to another level in the 2026 season.
He opened the batting for Rajasthan Royals and finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 776 runs at an astounding 237.30. His memorable campaign included a century, five half-centuries and a record 72 sixes, figures that underscore his consistency and extraordinary power.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
01 Jul 2026 11:47 IST