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 Rising Star Takes Center Stage

In the high-pressure cauldron of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to stand out. Even fewer do so at the tender age of 15. However, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has defied expectations throughout the 2026 season, becoming the focal point of discussions regarding the future of national cricket. Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, having observed the youngster’s development from the closest quarters, has unequivocally stated that the teenager is ready for the international arena.

Sooryavanshi’s statistics tell a staggering story of dominance. Over the course of 16 innings, the young opener amassed 776 runs at a blistering strike rate of 237.30. Perhaps most impressively, 684 of those runs came exclusively from boundaries, showcasing his ability to clear the ropes and punish bowlers with consistent intensity.

Sangakkara’s Vote of Confidence

Following the Rajasthan Royals’ loss in Qualifier 2 to the Gujarat Titans, Sangakkara did not shy away from praising his young charge. “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 coach remarked. He added, “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 so well for us this season.”

The validation from a cricketing legend like Sangakkara speaks volumes about the technical and mental fortitude Sooryavanshi possesses. During the clash against the Gujarat Titans, he faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries on a difficult, two-paced track in New Chandigarh. Despite the pressure and falling wickets at the other end, he remained composed, scoring a brilliant 96 off just 47 balls.

The Philosophy of Development

Maintaining a clear head is often the hardest task for young athletes, but the Rajasthan Royals management has implemented a specific strategy for Sooryavanshi. According to Sangakkara, the team focuses on keeping things simple. “We have got a good plan around him. We don’t clutter his mind too much. He comes to all our team meetings, he contributes, he listens, and he does a lot of homework,” Sangakkara explained.

This methodical approach to preparation—which includes video analysis and rigorous practice—has allowed Sooryavanshi to “problem-solve” on the pitch. Sangakkara emphasizes that shielding the youngster from unnecessary tactical noise allows him to maintain the courage and clarity that defines his game.

A Season of Resilience for the Royals

The 2026 campaign was not without its trials for the Rajasthan Royals. With star player Sam Curran sidelined by injury and captain Riyan Parag managing physical concerns, the team had to adapt frequently. Sangakkara highlighted the contributions of newcomers Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja, who transitioned seamlessly from state-level T20 competitions to the big stage.

“Everyone should be extremely proud of themselves,” Sangakkara stated. He noted that the squad’s collective effort—from the batting heroics of Dhruv Jurel and Donovan Ferreira to the seasoned presence of Jofra Archer and Ravindra Jadeja—was instrumental in their turnaround from a disappointing ninth-place finish the previous year to a playoff run.

Reflecting on Leadership and Growth

While the team ultimately fell short of the final, the campaign is viewed as a massive success for Riyan Parag’s development as a captain. Sangakkara praised Parag’s leadership in his first full season at the helm, noting his adeptness at managing on-field decisions. “He will grow and learn, so will the other players, and we will just come back better,” the coach said.

As the dust settles on the 2026 IPL, the narrative surrounding the Rajasthan Royals is one of immense potential. With a core group of highly skilled players and a nurturing environment, the franchise looks poised for future success, spearheaded by the remarkable rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.