NEW DELHI - Former Indian cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Piyush Chawla are backing 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for a fast-track entry into India’s T20 squad.
Sooryavanshi made headlines during his debut IPL season, hitting a six off the first ball he faced and recording a 35-ball century. He was named player of the tournament in India’s Under-19 World Cup win and recently powered Rajasthan Royals with a 15-ball fifty.
Kaif initially expressed caution about rushing youth but now believes the teen is ready: “The 15-year-old boy can entertain and play match-winning knocks.”
Chawla concurred: “If he continues performing, he deserves a shot at senior-level cricket.”
Ambati Rayudu also praised Sooryavanshi, calling him a cut above other young talents. However, he noted the challenge of breaking into India’s World Cup-winning T20 lineup.
“The Indian team is a world champion. Replacing someone in that side is not easy,” Rayudu cautioned.