Sangakkara on Sooryavanshi: ‘I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soo – Kumar Sangakkara Backs 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for International Call-Up
A Star is Born: The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
In the high-pressure cauldron of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to stand out against the world’s elite bowlers. However, 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has not only stood out—he has dominated. After watching the young batsman produce one of the most remarkable individual campaigns in the history of the tournament, Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara is convinced that the teenager is ready for the ultimate challenge: international cricket.
Sooryavanshi finished the IPL 2026 season with a staggering 776 runs in just 16 innings. Operating at a blistering strike rate of 237.30, his dominance was characterized by an incredible ability to find the fence, with 684 of his total runs coming from boundaries alone. These statistics, while impressive on their own, tell only half the story of a player who has displayed maturity well beyond his years.
Sangakkara’s Endorsement
Speaking after the Rajasthan Royals’ defeat to the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, Kumar Sangakkara did not mince words regarding the teenager’s readiness. “With everything Vaibhav has shown against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he is more than ready to take on any challenge that you throw at him,” the legendary former Sri Lankan captain remarked. “I am sure that he will get that call-up very, very soon. He has batted with a lot of maturity and has shouldered the responsibility of that opening partnership exceptionally well for us this season.”
A prime example of this poise occurred on Saturday in New Chandigarh. Facing a two-paced track and a barrage of short balls from the Gujarat Titans’ tall pace attack, Sooryavanshi showed immense character. Even as wickets tumbled at the other end, the 15-year-old remained unruffled, problem-solving his way to a brilliant 96 off 47 balls. Sangakkara praised this clarity of mind, noting, “We don’t want to put any unnecessary thoughts into his head. A clear mind, combined with that courage, is exactly what we want to see from him.”
Building a Winning Culture
While Sooryavanshi was the breakout star, the Rajasthan Royals’ season was defined by resilience in the face of adversity. With key players like Sam Curran sidelined by injury, and captain Riyan Parag along with Ravindra Jadeja managing fitness concerns, the squad was forced to adapt. Sangakkara was particularly impressed by how younger talents like Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja transitioned seamlessly into the setup.
“Everyone should be extremely proud of themselves,” Sangakkara stated. “From where we were last season, sitting in ninth place, to have fought our way here is a great sign. Players like Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, and our senior leaders like Jofra Archer and Jadeja all played their part. It is a wonderful bunch of highly skilled guys.”
Looking Ahead: Leadership and Growth
Reflecting on the campaign, Sangakkara also lauded the captaincy of Riyan Parag. In his first full season at the helm, Parag managed the team dynamics and on-field decisions with a level of sophistication that impressed the coaching staff. “I thought Riyan’s first season as captain was excellent,” Sangakkara added. “He will grow, and so will the other players. No one really gave us a chance to qualify for the playoffs at the start of the campaign, but this season shows that when you work hard and enjoy the game, you can make special things happen.”
As the curtains close on an intense IPL season, the focus now shifts to the future. With the backing of a mentor as esteemed as Kumar Sangakkara, and the sheer talent displayed on the field, it seems only a matter of time before Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dons the national colors and tests his skills on the biggest stage of all.
