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Sooryavanshi in line for T20 call as India fast-track 15-year-old to top
TL;DR
15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to be included in India's T20 squad, potentially replacing skipper Suryakumar Yadav. He excelled in the IPL, scoring 776 runs, and would become the youngest debutant in Indian cricket history.
Key points
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is 15 years old
- He scored 776 runs in IPL for Rajasthan Royals
- Sooryavanshi could replace Suryakumar Yadav in T20 squad
- He would be the youngest debutant in Indian cricket history
- Selectors will meet on Saturday to finalize the squad
Mentioned in this story
Vaibhav SooryavanshiSuryakumar YadavSachin Tendulkar
Indian Premier LeagueRajasthan Royals
The 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is likely to be named in India’s T20 squad, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav could get the axe when selectors meet on Saturday.
Sooryavanshi had a stellar Indian Premier League (IPL) for Rajasthan Royals, finishing top of the batting charts with 776 runs, including a hundred and five half-centuries.
It is understood that the left-handed opener is in line to be picked for two T20 matches in Ireland, followed by five games in England.
He would be the youngest debutant for India in history.
Batting great Sachin Tendulkar played his first Test for India at 16 years and 205 days in 1989.
Sooryavanshi has also been included in a 30-member of probables for the Asian Games in September-October in Japan, Indian media says.
He was named most valuable player in the IPL, despite his team narrowly failing to reach the final.
He also scooped the Orange Cap for leading the batting charts, and was named emerging player of the season, among other prizes.
The India T20 team is expecting a leadership change, with Suryakumar likely to be removed from the captaincy nearly three months after he led the country to World Cup glory at home.
Suryakumar has struggled with the bat, scoring just 242 runs in nine World Cup innings, with his unbeaten 84 against the United States the only significant knock.
Playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, the 35-year-old managed only 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76. His team ended ninth in the 10-team table.
Indian media have predicted Suryakumar will lose his place in the T20 squad, with insiders calling it a “tough call”.
Suryakumar is likely to be replaced by Shreyas Iyer, who last played a T20 for India in December 2023 but has been an IPL-winning captain.
He led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024 and then captained Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish in 2025 and into the playoffs this year.
Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma are also in contention for the captaincy, with selectors set to name the squad over the weekend in Mumbai.
Q&A
Who is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and why is he in line for the T20 squad?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a 15-year-old batting sensation who had a standout IPL season, finishing as the top scorer with 776 runs, making him a strong candidate for India's T20 squad.
What records could Vaibhav Sooryavanshi break if he debuts for India?
If selected, Sooryavanshi would become the youngest debutant in Indian cricket history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record set in 1989.
When will the selectors announce the T20 squad for India?
The selectors are scheduled to meet on Saturday to finalize the T20 squad for upcoming matches in Ireland and England.
