India A captain Tilak Varma has spoken about teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the Talent TV Cup ODI Tri-Series 2026 in Sri Lanka. Tilak said that he is excited to see the young batter in action on slow surfaces in Sri Lanka after his impressive performances in domestic and Under-19 cricket.
The tri-series will feature India A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A, with all matches scheduled to be played in Dambulla from June 9 to 21. The tournament will give Sooryavanshi valuable experience in 50-over cricket before he joins India's senior squad for the upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England.
I Am Quite Confident That He Will Do Well Here as Well - Tilak Varma on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Tilak Varma expressed confidence in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the Talent TV Cup ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka. He pointed out that Sooryavanshi has already shown his talent in the one-day format, but Sri Lanka's slower pitches could present a different challenge.
"It's a very important opportunity for everyone because representing India at the senior level is always special. As for the youngsters, everyone has seen how good Vaibhav is. We have also seen what he can do in Under-19 cricket, especially in the one-day format and in the final," Tilak said.
"We are excited to see how he performs in this tournament. The conditions in Sri Lanka, with slower wickets, could be a different challenge for his batting. But I am quite confident that he will do well here as well."
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Historic IPL 2026 Campaign
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will enter into the Tri-Series after a sensational IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. The teenage opener played a key role in Rajasthan's run to Qualifier 2. His fearless approach and explosive strokeplay made him one of the most dangerous batters in the competition.
The left-handed batter dominated bowling attacks throughout the season and finished as the highest run-scorer in the tournament. He won both the Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season awards, underlining his impact on Rajasthan Royals' successful campaign.
Sooryavanshi claimed the IPL 2026 Orange Cap after scoring 776 runs in 16 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30. He registered one century and five half-centuries during the season. His outstanding performances earned him a place in India's T20I squads for the tours of Ireland and England.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Set for Tough Fight for India's Opening Spot
Following the tri-series in Sri Lanka, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will join India's senior squad for the two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast, starting on June 26. India will then face England in a five-match T20I series, giving the youngster a chance to make his international debut.
Sooryavanshi's emergence has increased competition for places in India's T20I top order. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan all performed well during the T20 World Cup 2026 and IPL 2026, making the race for opening spots highly competitive.
The left-hander has played eight First-Class matches and averages 17.25, with one half-century in 12 innings. However, his white-ball record is far more impressive. He averages over 44 in both List A and T20 cricket, with strike rates of 164.95 and 220.44 respectively.
Also read: Astrologer predicts Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could surpass Rohit Sharma's 264
