Shikhar Dhawan backed teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India selection, stating performance should matter more than age.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the biggest talking points of Indian Premier League 2026, continuing his remarkable rise from last season. The 15-year-old batter from Bihar has already piled up 400 runs in the ongoing edition, placing himself among the top run-getters.
His fearless strokeplay and consistency at the top level have not gone unnoticed, with growing speculation that he could soon be considered for selection in the senior Indian team. Reports suggest that key decision-makers, including Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, have already been made aware of his rapid progress.
Shikhar Dhawan Backs Performance Over Age
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has thrown his support behind the youngster, stressing that performances at the highest level should outweigh concerns about age.
“If Vaibhav is doing brilliantly at the senior level, then that has to be counted and not his age. Yes, he is a kid, but it’s astonishing the way he hits Bumrah and Arshdeep for such huge sixes,” Dhawan was quoted as saying by PTI.
Highlighting the rarity of such impact at a young age, he added, “A lot of big guns haven’t done what he has at such a small age. Obviously, his time will come. It’s bound to come,” he added.
Competition In Top Order Remains A Challenge
Dhawan also pointed out the challenges of breaking into an already settled Indian top order, drawing from his own experience alongside stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
“Look, if the top order is doing well, you can’t readily replace them. When I, Ro[hit] and Virat were playing, we nearly played for a decade, and it wasn’t easy to replace us. It is up to the individual how they take it,” Dhawan said.
Encouraging patience, he further added, “It can pinch you a bit, but one shouldn’t be disheartened if the chance doesn’t come along readily. Vaibhav has so many blessings at this young age,” he added.
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Changing T20 Approach Highlights Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Strength
Reflecting on the evolution of batting in modern T20 cricket, Dhawan highlighted how the approach has shifted towards aggressive strokeplay, something Sooryavanshi has mastered early in his career.
“When we started, our coaches said that hits along the ground, and now it is the opposite. Like Vaibhav has good defense as I have watched him defend close to his body,” he added.
With his blend of aggression and technique, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to build a strong case for national selection, making him one of the most exciting young prospects in Indian cricket.
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