Aakash Chopra Warns India Against Rushing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After IPL 2026 Heroics

Aakash Chopra urged India selectors to stay patient with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite the teenager’s record-breaking IPL 2026 performances.

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his extraordinary IPL 2026 run with a breathtaking innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Wednesday. The young Rajasthan Royals opener smashed 97 runs off just 29 deliveries, hammering bowlers all around the park and once again proving why he has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the season.

The knock took Sooryavanshi’s tally to 680 runs in IPL 2026 at a staggering strike rate of 242.86 while averaging 45.33. His fearless batting approach and consistency throughout the tournament have sparked widespread discussions about a possible call-up to India’s senior T20 side ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

However, former India opener Aakash Chopra believes the selectors must remain calm and avoid making emotional decisions based purely on one explosive IPL season.

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Aakash Chopra Calls For Patience From Selectors

While speaking about Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise, Chopra admitted the youngster’s performances cannot be ignored but stressed that India already possess a settled batting core featuring players like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.

“We are still 2 years away from the next World Cup. There will be time. Yes, it’s exciting. It’s something that is there which you cannot possibly ignore because IPL is India’s best T20 tournament. So if somebody is just breaking records, shattering records, you’ve got to take it seriously, and this kid is special. There’s no doubt about it. But then you just don’t make changes for the sake of making changes because somebody else has done well,” said Chopra.

Chopra also explained that replacing established performers immediately after a breakthrough season could create instability within the national side.

“It’s very simple for somebody to go out; you need to fail that exam. If somebody’s a topper already, how can you just replace the topper because you think somebody else will actually get more grades? I mean, he is a topper.”

“You’re Not Replacing Them Right Now”

The former cricketer further pointed out that India should avoid building a habit of constantly replacing players every time a new youngster shines in the IPL.

“You’re talking about Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. You’re not replacing them right now because if you were to do that, I can give you in writing, in two or three years, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi goes through a bad patch, you’re going to follow the same principle.”

Chopra added that selectors including Ajit Agarkar, RP Singh, and Pragyan Ojha would naturally face pressure from fans and experts but must prioritize long-term planning for Indian cricket.

“So Ajit Agarkar, RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha will face a lot of scrutiny and pressure, but they need to do what is right for Indian cricket, and he represents Indian cricket.”

He concluded by reminding everyone that Sooryavanshi still has a very long career ahead and there is absolutely no need to rush his international progression.

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“He’s not Indian cricket. I mean, he is a part of Indian cricket, and I think that fact is not lost on any of the selectors, and they’ll do the right thing, but it doesn’t have to happen tomorrow. It can take time. He’s 20 years ahead of him, so there’s no rush,” Chopra added.