Sooryavanshi targeting Test cricket? Young batter’s conversation with Gavaskar c
A New Star Emerges in Indian Cricket
The conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season brought with it a historic triumph for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Yet, beyond the team glory, one individual performance resonated louder than the rest. 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dominated the tournament, sweeping multiple awards and finishing as the highest run-getter of the season. His aggressive batting style became the talk of the town, but it is his recent dialogue with a legendary figure that has shifted the narrative toward his long-term potential.
The Gavaskar Connection
Following the final match in Ahmedabad, Sooryavanshi was seen in an insightful conversation with the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. The discussion touched upon the youngster’s adaptability and his ambitions beyond the high-octane environment of T20 cricket. When asked if he was adjusting his approach following his massive T20 success, the young batter revealed a focused mindset.
“Yes, I am because next is an ODI assignment,” Sooryavanshi shared. “Also, I am practising with the red-ball. Till now, no one has seen me do that, but pretty soon everyone will.” This revelation serves as a clear indicator that the Rajasthan Royals opener is not merely content with T20 glory; he is actively preparing for the rigors of the longest format.
Redefining the Power-Hitter Archetype
Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 performance was nothing short of historic. He smashed 72 sixes throughout the tournament, eclipsing the legendary record of 59 sixes set by Chris Gayle in 2012. Despite this reputation for clearing the ropes with ease, the Bihar-based batter clarified his batting philosophy. He noted that while T20 coaches granted him the freedom to play shots, he avoids lofted shots out of compulsion. His goal is to attack only when the ball is in his range.
Regarding his desire to transition to the five-day game, he remains grounded. “I want to play Tests. My father always tells me that the ultimate format is the five-day game. I haven’t played much with the red ball, even though I have played Ranji Trophy, but again, I didn’t get too many chances. It was challenging but I will continue to work on my game,” he admitted.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Endorsement
The young prodigy has already caught the eye of the greatest of them all, Sachin Tendulkar. During the Cricinfo honours show, Tendulkar emphasized the importance of nurturing such talent without stifling their natural flair. “Exciting talent has to be encouraged,” Tendulkar remarked. “If he’s doing well, then we also need to support him and let him enjoy his game without any pressure being put on him.”
Tendulkar also highlighted the necessity of allowing the selection process to take its natural course. “One cannot tell the selectors to pick the player for a certain format, because that’s their job. With Ajit Agarkar sitting here, I have to be careful with my words, just like everybody else. Even I am excited to see Vaibhav play Test cricket at some stage, but I don’t know when.”
Looking Ahead
The journey from a T20 sensation to a Test match cricketer is arduous, requiring a completely different set of technical and mental skills. However, for a 15-year-old who has already rewritten the record books of the IPL, the ambition is clear. As Sooryavanshi continues to work on his red-ball game, the cricketing fraternity waits with bated breath to see if this young talent can translate his explosive power into the patience and endurance required for Test cricket. For now, his commitment to the ultimate format is the most promising sign for his future.
