Delhi: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for a place in the Indian national team, saying the youngster has already proved he belongs at the highest level after a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign. Pathan’s endorsement came after Sooryavanshi’s brilliant 96-run knock off 47 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. Although Rajasthan’s journey ended with a defeat, the 15-year-old left-hander emerged as one of the biggest stars of the tournament.
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Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan said Sooryavanshi is “ready to play for India” and has silenced critics through consistent performances against some of the world’s best bowlers. He pointed out that the youngster has succeeded against international stars such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Siraj throughout the season. Sooryavanshi finished the IPL season with a staggering 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate above 237, smashing 72 sixes and 63 fours. His fearless batting has sparked widespread calls for an India call-up from several cricketing greats, including Kumar Sangakkara, Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. With the youngster continuing to break records and impress experts, the debate over when—not if—he will wear the India jersey is gathering momentum.
