Sangakkara on Sooryavanshi: ‘I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soo – Kumar Sangakkara Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for International Call-Up
A Rising Star Emerges
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be remembered for the sensational rise of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), the young prodigy delivered a campaign of historic proportions, catching the eye of cricket pundits and fans alike. Among his biggest admirers is RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara, who believes the teenager is now fully prepared to make the transition to international cricket.
The Numbers Behind the Phenomenon
Sooryavanshi’s statistical output during the season was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of 16 innings, the youngster amassed a staggering 776 runs. Perhaps even more impressive than the total tally was his explosive strike rate of 237.30. His dominance was highlighted by the fact that 684 of his total runs came from boundaries alone, showcasing his ability to clear the ropes and find the fence with alarming frequency.
Reflecting on these performances, Sangakkara noted that the teenager has consistently stood his ground against the world’s elite bowlers. Following the Rajasthan Royals’ defeat to the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, the coach expressed his confidence in the youngster’s readiness to tackle the pressures of top-tier international competition.
Composure Under Pressure
One of the defining moments of Sooryavanshi’s season came on a challenging, two-paced track in New Chandigarh. Facing a hostile barrage of short balls from the Gujarat Titans’ tall pace attack, the youngster showcased remarkable maturity. Despite losing partners at the other end, he problem-solved his way to a brilliant 96 off 47 balls.
Sangakkara attributed this maturity to a specific coaching philosophy. “We don’t clutter his mind too much,” the coach explained. Instead of overwhelming him with data, the management encourages his natural preparation. “He comes to all our team meetings, he contributes, he listens, and he does a lot of homework. He practises well and he reads bowlers well. We don’t want to put any unnecessary thoughts into his head. A clear mind and that brand of courage is exactly what we want to see from him.”
A Season of Growth for Rajasthan Royals
Beyond Sooryavanshi’s individual brilliance, Sangakkara took the time to reflect on the collective effort of the Rajasthan Royals squad. Despite facing significant hurdles—including a season-ending injury to Sam Curran and fitness struggles for key leaders like Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja—the team showed incredible resilience. The coach was particularly pleased with the seamless integration of rookie bowlers such as Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja, who bridged the gap between state-level cricket and the intensity of the IPL.
Acknowledging the contributions of veterans and newcomers alike, Sangakkara praised the squad’s cohesion. “Everyone who came in tried their best, so from where we were last season to have got here, dragging ourselves here is a great sign,” he added. The coach highlighted that the team’s journey from a ninth-place finish in the previous campaign to the playoffs demonstrates the potential within the group.
Looking Toward the Future
Riyan Parag’s captaincy also received high praise from the coaching staff. In his first full season at the helm, Parag managed on-field tactics and team dynamics with a level of maturity that impressed those within the dressing room. Sangakkara believes that the leadership experience gained this year will be invaluable for Parag’s development.
As the curtains close on a memorable season, the sentiment within the Rajasthan Royals camp is one of optimism. The team defied pre-tournament expectations to reach the business end of the competition, proving that hard work and a positive, team-first culture can yield special results. While they fell short of the final, the progress made by the youngsters and the leadership displayed by the core group suggest that the future of the franchise is in capable hands. Whether or not Sooryavanshi receives that elusive international call-up in the immediate future, his performance this season has undoubtedly cemented his status as one of the most exciting prospects in global cricket.
