Ignore his birth certificate: Gavaskar demands Team India’s debut for Sooryavans – Sunil Gavaskar Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Team India Call-up

A Star is Born in the IPL 2026

The landscape of Indian cricket is witnessing the rise of a new phenomenon. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, currently plying his trade for the Rajasthan Royals, has set the IPL 2026 on fire. With over 600 runs to his name this season, his contribution has been instrumental in guiding his team to Qualifier 2, where they are set to face the Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh. His most recent masterclass—a blistering 97 runs off just 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator—has captured the imagination of fans and experts alike.

Gavaskar’s Bold Assertion

Among those thoroughly impressed is batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. In a recent discussion, Gavaskar did not mince words regarding the youngster’s readiness for the highest level. He urged the national selectors to look past the birth certificate and focus squarely on the destructive potential the young batter displays on the field.

“He is ready for T20 cricket. He is absolutely ready,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak. “When the team is picked for the England tour, Vaibhav should be there. He deserves to play for the Indian team, considering his performance. If you don’t give him a chance, then when will you consider him?”

Age is Just a Number

Addressing critics who might point to the youngster’s youth as a reason for caution, Gavaskar offered a blunt rebuttal. He emphasized that the gap in experience between Sooryavanshi and the bowlers he faces is irrelevant when the results are so overwhelmingly one-sided. “Don’t look at his age, as he is hitting fours and sixes against bowlers who are 15 years older than him. Even those who have dominated in international cricket are being sent into the stands,” Gavaskar noted.

What stands out to the former captain is the lack of psychological baggage in Sooryavanshi’s approach. While experienced players often battle the mental fatigue of defensive scrutiny, the youngster operates with a mindset that prioritizes aggression from the very first ball. “Don’t look at age, but the way he is playing. There is no fear at all in his mind,” he added.

The Art of Hitting vs. Slogging

Gavaskar was quick to differentiate between a crude slogger and a genuine hitter. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s success is rooted in sound technical foundations. By consistently playing with a straight bat and hitting the ball straight over the bowler’s head, he generates immense power without relying on erratic or ‘slap-happy’ shot selections.

“He has a good technique,” Gavaskar explained. “He plays with a straight bat, which is the reason behind his success. He is a hitter, but not a slogger. There is a difference between the two aspects of the game.”

Keeping the ‘Inner Child’ Alive

Reflecting on his own journey and the evolution of the sport, Gavaskar drew parallels to the innocence of youth-level cricket. He suggested that Sooryavanshi’s greatest asset is his lack of inhibition. “When we were kids, there was no fear on our minds. When you grow older, the defence becomes a key factor. We wanted to hit every ball in tennis-ball cricket,” he recalled.

Gavaskar’s advice to the young sensation is simple: keep that fire burning. “The child within his batting style should never grow old. Let that child remain a child because it gives joy.”

The Road Ahead

With the Men in Blue scheduled to face England in a high-profile series this July, the debate surrounding the squad composition is heating up. While the selectors have yet to show concrete interest in the youngster, the numbers and the backing of a legend like Sunil Gavaskar make a compelling case. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has demonstrated the talent, the skill set, and the fearless temperament required to survive and thrive in international cricket. Whether the BCCI chooses to fast-track him remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world is watching.