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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut has become one of the biggest talking points among the Indian cricket fraternity. The former Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar believes that the 15-year-old batting sensation is already ready to play at the highest level.
He was picked in India’s squad for the Ireland and England tours as well as for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan after his record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign with Rajasthan Royals. However, Vaibhav didn’t get his opportunity on the Ireland tour and then missed the first T20I in England also. Amid this, Dinesh Karthik issues reality check to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi before India debut.
Vijay Shankar makes bold 'Age Is Just a Number' statement after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut
However, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finally earned his debut cap in the second T20I against England on July 4 in Manchester, and Vijay Shankar welcomed the call taken by the head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
The former Indian all-rounder feels the teenage batter is in the best form of his career and deserved his opportunity. Vijay also stressed that age should not decide whether a player gets selected or not, saying Vaibhav is a ready-made product who doesn’t deserve a waiting queue.
Vijay Shankar said on Revsportz: “Too early is definitely not the thing. Because the way he is batting is just unbelievable. If he can take on the top bowlers in the IPL, I think he is already ready. So, I just feel where I got missed out even domestically here is about the age that they speak. You know, I do not believe in that. Because if you are fit enough and if you are ready to compete against the best, then age will not be a factor and shouldn't be a factor. That's the only thing.”
Vijay Shankar calls Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a rare talent, demands longer run
The former India all-rounder has noted that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already shown what he can do in the IPL. He has already scored centuries, played fearless cricket, and attacked some of the best fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the world without showing any fear.
🚨Exclusive | Vijay Shankar
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 4, 2026
"I am fit and I enjoy playing cricket, so felt that it was the right time to step out and explore opportunities overseas." — Vijay Shankar on choosing to play in the Lanka Premier League.
"He is a very special talent." — Vijay on Vaibhav… pic.twitter.com/MqOZZW7HhB
He believes very few young players have the confidence and ability to play such shots against world-class bowlers. Vijay added, “I think he is a very, very special talent. So, I am sure he is going to have a lovely time. I just feel; I just hope he gets a longer run.”
While the Indian team management made it clear that they can’t drop either Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson because they have not done anything wrong, Vijay explained that when a young player is in the form of his life, he should be given a chance without waiting too long.
Vijay Shankar says India must cash in on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's golden form
Every cricketer gets a special phase in his career when everything goes right, and he believes that Vaibhav is currently going through that phase, and India should make full use of it instead of keeping him on the bench. Vijay said that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is currently at his best and he is not like slogging; instead, he is hitting the ball all around the ground.
He also highlighted the Bihar lad’s special skill to hit a six over the extra curve of a medium pacer. Vijay also warned that keeping a talented player like Vaibhav waiting for too long can affect his rhythm, momentum, and confidence.
Even he cited the example of Manav Suthar, saying the young left-arm spinner was given an opportunity against Afghanistan in the one-off Test after impressing in domestic cricket and India A, and he grabbed it with both hands. Vijay feels the same approach should be followed with Vaibhav.
Shankar added, “I just feel like as a cricketer, you will be in your own flow at some point of your career. So, when you are in that flow, I think they should just play off everything. As a cricketer, you will actually have your best feel at a certain point. So, I just feel when someone is at his very best, they should definitely get the chance right away.”
Vijay Shankar reveals the biggest regret of his career
During the same interaction, Vijay revealed that representing India in white-ball cricket was a proud achievement, but playing Test cricket had always been his biggest dream, and not getting the cap would always remain the biggest disappointment of his career.
Shankar signed off by saying, “That is actually a very, very special thing for me. That was my dream when I started playing cricket. So, white-ball eventually happened. But test cricket was actually one of my dreams—to represent test cricket.”
