Ravichandran Ashwin hailed 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a prodigy after his 175 in the U19 World Cup final, mentioning the probability of a fast-tracked India debut.
Former India spinner R Ashwin has reacted to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s outstanding display in the Under-19 World Cup final against England. The 14-year-old opener produced a strong innings, scoring 175 from 80 balls. He reached his century in 55 balls, the second fastest in Under-19 World Cup history. His knock included 15 fours and 15 sixes, with a strike rate of 218.75.
Sooryavanshi also impressed earlier in the tournament. In the semifinal, he struck 68 off 33 balls during a 90-run partnership with Aaron George while chasing a target above 300. He finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 439 runs from the competition. His average stood at 62.71, with a strike rate of 169.49. He hit 30 sixes overall, scoring 78.35 percent of his runs in boundaries.
Ashwin suggested that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could soon enter the senior India setup after the T20 World Cup.
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“175 (80) in the U19 WC final, 15 fours and 15 sixes with 85.7% of his runs in boundaries. That’s absurd. This is a follow up to his 68(33) in the semis chasing a 300+ target. Vaibhav has owned the big stage like he’s born for it. A prodigy with serious big match temperament. Overall Tournament numbers: Leader run getter with 439 runs at 62.71, SR 169.49. A T20 Strike rate of 170 is elite. 30 sixes overall and 78.35% of his runs in boundaries,” the former cricketer wrote on X.
“This kid is knocking on the doors of international cricket hard & fast. Post the T20 World Cup, don’t be surprised if that door opens,” Ashwin added.
175 (80) in the U19 WC final, 15 fours and 15 sixes with 85.7% of his runs in boundaries. That’s absurd. This is a follow up to his 68(33) in the semis chasing a 300+ target. Vaibhav has owned the big stage like he's born for it. A prodigy with serious big match temperament.… pic.twitter.com/uIUEe9XXsO
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 6, 2026
Notably, in December last year, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a landmark performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Arunachal Pradesh. At 14 years and 272 days, he became the youngest player to score a List A century. He smashed 190 off 84 balls, hitting 16 fours and 15 sixes.
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